Outrage Over Attack on Teenage Girl by Married Woman in Donga

There has been widespread condemnation following the alleged razor attack on a 17-year-old girl in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, an incident that has drawn the attention of the Office of the First Lady.

The victim, identified as Iwasen Terhemba, reportedly lives with her guardian, Jemila Savalla Wanga, in Donga. According to accounts from the area, the teenager had repeatedly rejected advances from a married man, identified as Mr. Abbas, insisting that she was underage and that he was already married.

Sources said the situation escalated after Mr. Abbas' wife, Ramatu Abbas, became aware of allegations that her husband was pursuing the minor. She was said to have allegedly insulted and threatened the girl. In an attempt to calm tensions, the guardian reportedly approached Mrs. Abbas to explain that it was her husband who had been harassing the teenager and urged her to caution him.

Rather than resolving the matter, Mrs. Abbas allegedly went to the girl's residence and attacked her with a razor blade, inflicting injuries on her face. It was further alleged that after the incident, threats were issued to the victim and her guardian, warning them against reporting the matter to authorities and insisting it be handled privately.

Reacting to the incident, the Office of the First Lady of Taraba State, in a press release, strongly condemned what it described as a brutal and unlawful attack on a minor.

"The act of violence against a 17-year-old girl in Donga LGA is deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and a clear violation of her fundamental human rights," the statement read. "No child or young person should ever be subjected to abuse, intimidation, or physical harm under any circumstance."

The First Lady's office called on law enforcement and child protection agencies to immediately investigate the incident, ensure the safety of the victim and her guardian, and bring all those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Taraba State Government to the protection of women and children, the rule of law, and the provision of justice, care, and support for victims of abuse.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Donga, with increasing calls for security agencies and relevant authorities to intervene decisively to ensure justice for the minor..