The Taraba State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, has vowed that justice will be served in the case involving the assault of a 17-year-old girl in Donga Local Government Area of the state. She stressed that the government will not tolerate any act of violence against children, regardless of the social status or influence of those involved.

Mrs. Sinjen gave the assurance on Monday in Jalingo while receiving the victim, Miss Iwasen Terhemba, who was allegedly attacked following an unverified claim linking her to a relationship with a married man. The assault, reportedly carried out with a razor blade, was said to have been committed by Mrs. Rammatu Abbas, the wife of the man involved. Images of the girl’s injuries, which circulated widely online, triggered public outrage and drew the attention of the state government.

The commissioner said the ministry immediately intervened after learning about the incident through social media reports. She directed senior officials to follow up the case and arranged for the victim and her guardians to be brought to Jalingo for protection, medical care, and proper investigation. Mrs. Sinjen expressed relief that the teenager is responding well to treatment and receiving the necessary support.

She, however, raised concern over reports that the case, already charged to court by the police, might be settled out of court because the victim was said to have forgiven the suspect. According to her, the matter goes beyond personal forgiveness, as it is a violation of child protection laws. “This is an offence against the state and against our laws. The government will not look away. Justice must be served, and we will follow this case to the end,” she declared.