A 17-year-old girl, Iwasen Terhemba, has sustained permanent facial injuries after she was allegedly attacked with a razor blade in Donga Local Council of Taraba State.

The incident, which occurred last weekend, reportedly took place at the victim’s residence, where she lived under the care of her guardian, Jemila Savalla Wanga.

According to the family, the girl had allegedly been subjected to persistent advances by a married man identified as Abbas, which she repeatedly rejected on the grounds that she was underage. The family claimed the situation escalated after the man’s wife, Ramatu Abbas, was informed of the alleged harassment.

Sources said the guardian had earlier approached Mrs Abbas to explain the situation and urged her to caution her husband. However, Mrs Abbas was later alleged to have gone to the girl’s home and attacked her with a razor blade, inflicting serious facial injuries that required medical attention.

The incident has generated tension in the community, with residents expressing concern over the delay in the arrest of the alleged suspect.
Speaking with The Guardian, the victim’s guardian appealed to authorities for protection, alleging that she and her children had been threatened to stop pursuing the case. She also called on the Taraba State Government and public-spirited individuals to assist with the victim’s medical treatment.

Confirming the incident, the Taraba State Police Command spokesperson, Victor Mshelizah, said the case file was being compiled and would be charged to court. He said there had been pressure from some community members for the case to be withdrawn.

“Some elders in the community are asking the victim to withdraw the case and have been threatening eviction if she reports it. However, the victim was at the police station yesterday, her statement has been taken, and the case will be charged to court,” he said.