Gombe State Vows Justice as Stepfather R@p3s 2-Year-Old: Government Cites VAPP Act and Child Protection Law

 

In a heartbreaking and disturbing case that has shocked the entire country, the Gombe State Government has pledged to ensure justice is served following the rape of a 2-year-old girl by her stepfather. This tragic incident, which occurred in Jauro Abare, Zirin Gaza community of Gombe State, has reignited nationwide conversations about child protection, sexual abuse, and the implementation of laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Protection Law in Nigeria.

This article dives deep into the incident, government response, legal implications, and why stronger enforcement of child rights laws is more important than ever.

What Happened: A Heinous Crime Against an Innocent Child

According to official reports, the perpetrator, Mohammed Magaji, a 47-year-old man and stepfather to the young survivor, allegedly took the little girl into his room and sexually assaulted her. The disturbing act was reported by the child’s mother, Hauwau Usman, who immediately alerted the authorities upon discovering what had happened.

The case sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, with many calling for swift and uncompromising justice.

Arrest Made by Gombe State Police Command

In response to the mother’s report, law enforcement officers from the Gombe State Police Command quickly intervened. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the police acted immediately on receiving the complaint and moved to arrest the suspect.

“The survivor was rushed to the specialist hospital for medical attention. The case will soon be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” said DSP Abdullahi.

This swift action has been commended by rights activists and citizens alike, especially given the sensitivity of the case and the victim’s age. Medical professionals have since been working to provide treatment and emotional support to the survivor, while the police have commenced a full investigation into the crime.

Gombe State Government Responds: "The Law Will Take Its Course"

In a strong show of support and commitment, the Gombe State Government, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, visited both the survivor’s family and the state police command. She reaffirmed the government's dedication to ensuring that justice is not only promised but delivered.

“We heard about the rape of a two-year-old girl and the governor is unhappy about it. He has asked us to visit and assure the family of the government’s support,” said Iganus.

She emphasized that the state has already taken legislative steps to address such heinous crimes through the Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Act). These laws not only recognize rape and child molestation as severe criminal offenses but also provide strict penalties, including life imprisonment for offenders.

“The state has enabling laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act with sanctions, the stepfather will face justice; the law allows for life imprisonment of offenders,” she added.

Legal Framework: The VAPP Act and Child Protection Law in Nigeria

What Is the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act?

The VAPP Act, originally passed at the federal level in 2015, seeks to eliminate violence in both public and private spaces. It criminalizes various forms of abuse, including sexual violence, emotional abuse, domestic violence, and harmful traditional practices. It also provides for compensation and support for victims.

Crucially, the VAPP Act prescribes life imprisonment for anyone convicted of raping a child.

Gombe’s Domestication of the VAPP Act

Although the VAPP Act is a federal law, each Nigerian state must domesticate it for it to be legally binding within its jurisdiction. Gombe State recently adopted and enacted this important law, thereby making it enforceable and applicable in cases like this.

The Child Protection Law

The Child Protection Law, which also exists in many Nigerian states, works in conjunction with the VAPP Act to ensure the safety and well-being of minors. It outlines the rights of children and the responsibilities of parents, guardians, and the government to protect them from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

These laws represent a major step forward in fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse in Nigeria, but implementation remains a challenge.

Government’s Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence

While visiting the command headquarters and the survivor’s home, Commissioner Asma’u Iganus made it clear that impunity will no longer be tolerated in Gombe State when it comes to crimes of sexual violence.

“I came to the command as a follow-up to the current GBV survivor, I had visited the mother. Raping a minor is life imprisonment; the least is 14 years imprisonment. We trust that the judiciary and the police will do their best so that he (suspect) can be charged for the offence he has committed,” she concluded.

This case is now seen as a litmus test for how seriously the Gombe State Government and its legal system treat child abuse and gender-based violence. Civil society groups and human rights advocates are watching closely to see if justice will truly be served.

Public Outcry and The Role of Society

The incident has led to widespread public condemnation and emotional reactions, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Nigerians are calling for:

• Speedy trial and prosecution of the suspect

• Better enforcement of child protection laws

• Increased awareness and education around child safety

• Psychological support for survivors of abuse

Many also argue that stiffer penalties alone are not enough. What’s needed is systematic reform, including better policing, stronger social services, and a cultural shift toward protecting vulnerable individuals — especially women and children.

What This Means for the Future

This tragic case underscores how deeply rooted societal issues like domestic abuse and child molestation continue to threaten the most vulnerable among us. However, the strong reaction from the Gombe State Government, the quick arrest by the police, and the enactment of protective laws like the VAPP Act and Child Protection Law signal a positive move toward justice and accountability.

As Nigeria continues to battle sexual and gender-based violence, every case like this must be treated as a priority, not just for justice but for the future of our children and society as a whole.

Conclusion: Justice Must Prevail

The rape of a 2-year-old girl by her own stepfather is one of the most horrifying crimes imaginable. The quick response from Gombe State Police and the visit from top government officials are commendable, but true justice can only be achieved when the law is fully enforced, and the offender is punished accordingly.

Laws like the VAPP Act and Child Protection Law must not remain mere documents; they must be implemented with full force to protect every Nigerian child.

NaijaRush will continue to follow this case closely and provide updates as events unfold.