Ekiti Governor Mourns 14-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Killed by Herdsmen for Resisting Rape

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing of a 14-year-old girl, Faith Moses, in Emure-Ekiti. The teenager was reportedly murdered by two suspected gunmen, Bashir Alaba, 31, and Mohammad Jamiu, 36, after resisting an attempted sexual assault.

During a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, described the incident as painful and devastating. He assured residents that his administration remains committed to tackling the security challenges affecting the state, particularly in border communities.

Addressing the town’s growing security concerns, the governor stated that criminal activities such as this could not occur without internal collusion from some community members. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further attacks. He emphasized that the military post established along the Emure-Eporo-Emure Ile route was designed to curb criminal activities but had been compromised by insiders providing information to criminals.

Expressing his determination to improve security, Oyebanji highlighted ongoing collaborations with neighboring states, including Kwara, Ondo, Kogi, and Osun. He encouraged continued forest combing efforts by local security forces and warned against any form of collaboration with criminals.

“We are empowering all security agencies and local hunters to ensure Ekiti remains safe. However, it is disheartening that some youth are colluding with external elements to create insecurity. They supply information to these criminals, and this must stop. We will continue working hard to make you secure, and you must not do anything that frustrates our efforts,” he stated.

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, reaffirmed the importance of community policing as a globally recognized strategy for crime prevention. He assured residents that law enforcement would work closely with all stakeholders to bring perpetrators to justice.

Providing details of the tragic incident, Police Command spokesperson Sunday Abutu explained that the suspects were arrested near the crime scene with two cutlasses suspected to have been used in the attack. According to Abutu, Faith Moses had gone to check a trap set by her father on a farm along Okeseri Road, accompanied by her five-year-old brother, Testimony Moses. The young boy later reported that two men confronted them, threatened Faith with assault, and, when she resisted, killed her in a gruesome manner.

“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly cordoned off the area and arrested the two suspects. Investigation is ongoing,” Abutu confirmed.