By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A 20-year-old man, Chigbo Umeugokwe, has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and defiling a 13-year-old girl at Umuezeiyi in Achina, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.

It was gathered that the victim was taken when the suspect invaded a shop in the area with a locally made single-barrel gun and a small axe.

The suspect was also said to have reportedly taken the victim to a nearby bush and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect also allegedly stole N30,000 from the shop.

According to him, they recovered a locally made single-barrel gun, a small axe, and a red polo shirt used as a face mask from him.

He said: “The operatives of the Anambra Police Command attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender unit, Awka with the assistance of the local community security outfit arrested one Umeugokwe on Nov.11.

“The suspect allegedly invaded a shop in the same community, on Oct. 29, with a locally made single-barrel gun and a small axe.

“Witnesses said he wore a red polo shirt, fashioned it into a face mask, and abducted a 13-year-old girl.

“During interrogations, the suspect made a voluntary confessional statement.

“A locally made single-barrel gun, one small axe and one red polo shirt used as a face mask were recovered from him.

"The Command will arraign him in court on Nov. 19 to ensure justice for the victim and hold the offender accountable."