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Journalists, CSOs immortalise rape victim with “Tears from the Grave”
Journalists, CSOs immortalise rape victim with “Tears from the Grave”
Some journalists, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), parents and others gathered in Abuja on Wednesday to honour Miss Karen-Happuch Akpagher, who allegedly died from rape.
The occasion was the launch of the book “Tears from the Grave,” which aimed to immortalise Karen-Happuch.
The book was written by Mr Lemmy Ughegbe, a journalist and gender activist.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Karen-Happuch was a boarding student at Premiere Academy, Abuja.
She died on June 22, 2021, as a result of a sepsis infection she allegedly contracted from rape.
The rapist also allegedly left a condom inside the late student.
Ughegbe promised to do his best to get justice for the deceased, saying that he would continue to remind the nation of the case until justice would be served.
He said that writing “Tears from the Grave” was challenging, as talking with the deceased’s mother was traumatic.
“I get traumatised each time I have discussions with her.
“She said she was even afraid of loving her boys because she loved Karen and the world took her away.
“She said if she would love the remaining children, the world might also take them away,” the writer said.
Ughegbe said that after three years of Karen-Happuch’s alleged rape, the police had yet to tell her mother what happened to her.
He urged that the fight to rid society of sexual and gender-based violence should be collective.
Dr Kelechi Ofoegbu, Chairman of the occasion and Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, urged victims of rape to speak up.
Ofoegbu, however, said that if the victims could not speak up, society must be sensitive enough to be their voices.
“We should be human, aware and sensitive to the fact that people are crying around us, we must be sensitive enough to intervene,” he said.
Grace Ike, an aspirant for the post of the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja Chapter, said that the book launch demonstrated collective resolve to confront and eradicate rape.
According to her, it is heartbreaking when individuals, regardless of age or gender, fall victim to rape or defilement.
She said that rape and defilement always left their victims in physical and psychological anguish.
She said that Nigerians were confronted daily with distressing accounts of girls and women enduring unspeakable trauma due to sexual violence.
The mother of the deceased Mrs Vivian Akpagher, while narrating her ordeal, said: “I was hurt and pained when I lost Karen.
“I have struggled through the years but I believe God is with me.
“At some points, I found it really hard.
“Nineteen years ago, I gave birth to her. She returned to me shattered in 2021. She was my confidant, my friend.”
Vivian described her ordeal as two years of an unending storm.
“The grief may be unending but I am happy you are all here to hold my hands,” she said.
NAN reports that some others at the event also spoke against rape, urging the police to conclude the investigation on Karen-Happuch’s case and bring the culprit to book.
(NAN)
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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