The Taraba State Government has vowed to ensure that justice is fully served in the case of a 17-year-old girl who was assaulted in Donga Local Government Area of the state. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, said no individual would be allowed to harm a child and escape punishment, regardless of social status or connections.
Mrs. Sinjen gave the assurance on Monday in Jalingo while receiving the victim, Miss Iwasen Terhemba, who was recently attacked following allegations linking her to a relationship with a married man. The commissioner described the incident as unacceptable and a clear violation of the rights of a child under the laws of Taraba State and Nigeria.
The assault, which reportedly involved the use of a razor blade, allegedly took place in Donga Local Government Area. The suspect is said to be Mrs. Rammatu Abbas, the wife of the man whom the teenager was accused of having a relationship with. According to reports, the attack followed repeated harassment of the minor before the violent incident.
The case gained widespread public attention after photos of the girl’s injuries were shared on social media and news platforms. The images sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians calling for justice and demanding that the authorities intervene swiftly to protect the victim.
Mrs. Sinjen said the disturbing images and reports prompted her immediate action. She explained that upon learning of the incident through social media and other channels, she directed the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Rev. Eric Juyoh Madu, and other senior officials to urgently investigate the matter.
“I was deeply disturbed when I saw the pictures of this young girl and read about what happened to her,” the commissioner said. “As a government, we cannot allow such an act to go unpunished. Our duty is to protect our children.”
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the victim, the ministry arranged for her and her guardians to be evacuated from Donga to the state capital, Jalingo. According to the commissioner, the move was necessary to allow proper medical care, protection, and a thorough assessment of the situation.
Mrs. Sinjen expressed relief that Miss Terhemba is responding positively to treatment. She said the state government would continue to support her recovery, both medically and emotionally.
“She is receiving care, and we are happy to see improvement in her condition,” she said. “But beyond treatment, we are also concerned about her safety and her future.”
The commissioner disclosed that the ministry later learned that the matter had already been charged to court by the police. However, she expressed serious concern over reports that the court allegedly advised an out-of-court settlement because the victim had forgiven the suspects.
Mrs. Sinjen firmly rejected such an approach, stressing that the case goes beyond a personal dispute between individuals.
“This is not just a private matter,” she said. “It is an offense against the Taraba State Government and a clear violation of the Child Rights Law. Forgiveness does not erase a crime. Justice must be served.”
She added that allowing the case to be settled out of court would send the wrong message and could encourage further abuse of minors.
According to her, the government is determined to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, in line with existing laws that protect children from abuse and violence.
The commissioner also announced that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Mr. Abbas, the husband of the alleged assailant, who is believed to have played a role in the harassment of the teenager. She said all individuals connected to the assault would be investigated and, if found culpable, prosecuted.
“Our resolve is clear,” Mrs. Sinjen said. “Anyone involved in harming this child will face the full weight of the law.”
She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of women and children across Taraba State. According to her, the government has zero tolerance for gender-based violence and child abuse.
Taraba State, like many parts of Nigeria, continues to battle cases of violence against women and children, often linked to false accusations, jealousy, or abuse of power. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and better support for victims.
Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, which Taraba State has domesticated, provides clear legal protection for children against physical and emotional abuse. The law also makes it clear that crimes against children are matters of public interest and cannot simply be settled privately.
Members of the public and civil society groups have praised the swift response of the Taraba State Government, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the legal process.
Some residents of Donga Local Government Area said the incident has left many families worried about the safety of young girls in the community. They called on parents, religious leaders, and community heads to speak out against violence and protect children from abuse.
“This should never happen to any child,” a resident said. “We hope the government will truly follow through on its promise.”
Mrs. Sinjen also used the opportunity to call on the public to report cases of abuse and violence against women and children. She said silence and fear often allow such crimes to continue.
The commissioner assured that the ministry remains open to receiving complaints and providing support to victims, including legal aid, counselling, and temporary shelter where necessary.