A woman from Donga local government council of Taraba State, Mrs. Ramatu Abbas, who was recently accused of mutilating a teenage girl, has been divorced by her husband in accordance with Islamic rites.
The incident last occurred in the council when Mrs. Abbas was said to have attacked a 17-year-old girl, Miss Iwasen Terhemba, over accusations that the teenager was having an affair with her husband.
The husband, identified as Abbas, reportedly ended the marriage on grounds that his wife’s actions brought disgrace and disrepute to his family, eroded trust, and caused serious disharmony among relatives and associates.
Mrs. Abbas was on Friday remanded at the Wukari Correctional Centre following her arraignment before a Magistrate Court sitting in Donga.
She is facing charges in connection with the alleged assault on Miss Terhemba, who resides with her guardian in Donga town.
The accused allegedly used a razor blade to inflict multiple cuts on the victim’s face, injuries said to be capable of causing permanent facial disfigurement.
The victim, at the time of filing this report, is responding to medical care and fast recovering from the injuries sustained during the attack.
Overwhelmed by the massive supports showed on her by the state government and individuals, the teenager expressed gratitude to the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, the Chairman of council and his wife; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mary Sinjen; and the Nigeria Police for their swift intervention.
She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians for support and called for justice to be served, stressing that the case should serve as a deterrent to others.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has directed security agencies to arrest anyone found threatening or intimidating the victim’s guardian. The governor warned that any interference with the judicial process or intimidation of the victim’s family would attract arrest and prosecution.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable persons.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has directed that no effort be spared in securing justice for the victim and strengthening protective measures for vulnerable persons across the state. Those intimidating both the victim and her guardian should be arrested and made to face the law,” the statement said.
