WARDC SEEKS HELP FOR 14-YR-OLD RAPE VICTIM

The Women Advocate and Research Documentation Centre (WARDC) is seeking help for a 14-year-old rape victim, who is in urgent need for antenatal care. The girl, who resides at Isheri in Ikotun, a suburb of Lagos State, was allegedly raped and impregnated eight months ago. The man who allegedly raped her had absconded after his release on bail in August 2013.

In a statement released on Thursday by its executive director, Abiola Akiode-Afolabi, WARDC urged the Lagos State Government to come to the girls aid. The centre claimed that the girl was poor and lacked the resources to access antenatal care in government hospitals.

“Due to the high fees and cost related to child delivery in Lagos state-owned hospitals, the victim is unable to access their facilities. Doctors say her life is in serious danger unless she receives urgent necessary medical attention,’’ Akiode-Afolabi said.

According to her, the girl was referred to Igando General Hospital and was asked to pay N76,000 before she could be attended to. The director noted that the teenager had no financial support and the hospital was not willing to offer her any waiver. “This act can potentially have multiple negative consequences on pregnant women and their families who cannot afford the exorbitant fee,” the director said.

She therefore urged the Lagos state government to intervene in order to save the girl’s life.

WARDC, a non-governmental organization, is concerned with the promotion and protection of women’s rights and Rule of Law in Nigeria.