Shocking R@pe Incident at Tenderlink School, Trans-Ekulu Prompts Swift Action by Authorities
Disturbing Incident of Rape at Enugu Private School Leads Authorities to Act Quickly
Mary Nwaeze 
In a deeply distressing incident, the Enugu State Police have apprehended three suspects in connection with the rape of a three-year-old girl at Tenderlink School, Trans-Ekulu, a prominent private school in Enugu. The survivor's female teacher, the school's bus attendant, and the driver are currently in custody as the investigation unfolds.
The police spokesperson for Enugu State, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ndukwe, released a statement on Friday night revealing that a preliminary investigation indicated the survivor, whose identity is being withheld, exhibited physical injuries and traces of blood in her private area after being dropped off at home by the school bus on Tuesday.
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In response to this shocking incident, the Enugu State Government has taken decisive action by shutting down the school. Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu has directed the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to thoroughly investigate and prosecute all individuals involved in the heinous act.
The police commissioner expressed his dismay, describing the act as "unthinkable." He questioned how the school's authorities could allow such a tragedy to befall the toddlers under their care, commending the state government for promptly closing the school pending the completion of the investigation.
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This disturbing revelation follows a complaint from other parents, reporting a similar incident involving different children at the same school. Commissioner Uzuegbu vowed to ensure that all those found guilty of the crime face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The incident is a stark violation of Nigeria's Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2015, which criminalizes all forms of violence against women and girls, including rape. Offenders, upon conviction, face life imprisonment or a maximum of a 14-year jail term, depending on the age of the offender and the nature of the violence committed.
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Instances of rape have led to convictions in various Nigerian courts, underscoring the country's commitment to combating such heinous crimes. In a recent case, a Bauchi High Court sentenced two individuals to life in prison for raping a 40-year-old woman and assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The legal system continues to serve justice against those who perpetrate such grave offenses.
