Two pastors arrested for allegedly raping corps member

The police in Rivers State have arrested two pastors identified as Austin Emmanuel and Peter Davies, for allegedly raping a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The suspects who are currently being detained at the State Criminal and Intelligence Department SCID, allegedly raped the 27-year-old corps member in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state where she is observing her mandatory one year service.

Narrating her ordeal, the corps member who is from Plateau state, said Austin had invited her to his house on August 29 which coincided with his birthday, adding that the pastor was later joined by Davies. According to her, there was no reason to be suspicious since she has been worshipping in his church for over five months.

She said the pastors asked her to sow her mobile phone as a seed before they started conducting deliverance on her.

The victim said the last thing she could remember on that fateful day was that the suspects robbed her a certain oil while praying for her and she slept off. She said as soon as she woke up the next day, she noticed bruises on the surface and inside her private part.

“Actually, it was after I regained consciousness that I was feeling pain in my vagina. I told my mum and she reported to the police and they said that they should take me to doctors without borders for checkup. I saw bruises seen all over my body.” she told newsmen

Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bonko, have called on the state police command to ensure justice prevails. Her father said he had approached the International Federation of Women Lawyers in the state to ensure the prosecution of the case.

“When I saw her, she was not in her senses. I started asking questions. Then they told me that they have arrested the suspects. I saw the suspects and they told me what happened.

“We took her to a psychiatric hospital. They tested her and did everything. Wherever we went, the NYSC followed us on the matter. An NYSC official reported the issue to the headquarters. If we allow this matter to die, they will do the same thing to other female corps members. That is why I decided to come to FIDA,” he said

Confirming te incident to newsmen, the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, said the matter was being investigation.

“Yes, we refer to this issue, but the matter has not reached my desk. I believe it is still under investigation” Mukan said