Husband Divorce Woman Who Attacked Teenage Girl in Donga, As Court Remand Her in Wukari Prison

A woman who attacked a 17-year-old girl with a razor blade in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State has been remanded at the Wukari Correctional Centre following her arraignment before a Magistrate Court in Donga.

Taraba Truth and Facts newspaper exclusively reports that the suspect, Ramatu Abbas, was arrested by the police and charged to court over the incident, which has triggered widespread public outrage .

 The court  on Friday ordered that she be remanded in custody pending the determination of the case.

Sources disclosed that in the aftermath of the incident, the suspect's husband allegedly divorced her, describing the act as embarrassing and unacceptable. 

The divorce was said to have been conducted according to Islamic rites. It was also gathered that the suspect relocated to her parents' house shortly after the incident before eventually reporting herself to the police on Friday.

The case has continued to generate strong reactions across Taraba State, particularly following allegations that the teenage victim, Iwasen Terhemba, was attacked after rejecting alleged advances from a married man, identified as Mr. Abbas, the suspect's husband.

According to accounts from the community, the victim, who lives with her guardian, Jemila Savalla Wanga, had reportedly resisted repeated advances from the married man, insisting that she was underage and that he was already married. Tension reportedly escalated after the suspect became aware of allegations involving her husband.

Despite efforts by the girl's guardian to explain the situation and urge the suspect to caution her husband, the matter allegedly degenerated. Ramatu Abbas was accused of storming the girl's residence and attacking her with a razor blade, inflicting injuries on her face. There were also claims that threats were issued afterward, warning the victim and her guardian against reporting the matter to authorities.

The incident has drawn condemnation from the Taraba State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, which described the attack as a grave violation of the rights, dignity, and safety of a minor.

In a statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Mrs. Mary Sinjen, FCNA, ACTI, the Ministry said it had been fully briefed on the incident and was actively coordinating with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure justice.

"This reprehensible act constitutes a grave violation of the rights, dignity, and safety of a minor and will not be tolerated under any circumstances," the statement said.

The Ministry confirmed that the suspect connected to the assault is currently in custody and that investigations are ongoing to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice in accordance with the law. It warned that any attempt to intimidate the victim or obstruct due process constitutes a serious offence and would be dealt with decisively.

The statement reiterated the Taraba State Government's zero-tolerance stance on violence, harassment, intimidation, and abuse, especially against women and children, stressing that the safety and wellbeing of residents remain a top priority.

It added that Governor Agbu Kefas has directed that no effort be spared in securing justice for the victim and in strengthening protective measures for vulnerable persons across the state. The Ministry said it is working closely with the Office of the First Lady to confront gender-based violence in all its forms.

The Ministry also disclosed that it is providing necessary support to the victim and her guardian, including medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance, while ensuring their safety throughout the process.

Meanwhile, residents of Donga have continued to express outrage over the incident, calling on security agencies and the judiciary to ensure swift and decisive justice to serve as a deterrent and reinforce the protection of women and children in Taraba State.