Cases of alleged rape, especially against minors, is becoming a common occurrence in Yobe State, even as the police strive to tackle the menace. On Monday, the state police command said it arrested four men for allegedly gang raping minors in various parts of the state.

Police spokesman in the state, ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed to NAN in Damaturu that three of the alleged rapists, Musa Mohammed, 25, Mohammed Dahiru, 27, Adamu Saidu, 46, were arrested on December 25 by men of Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters for allegedly gang raping a 13-year-old girl.

Mr. Abdulkarim said the rapists took advantage of Christmas break to lure the girl into Brema Primary School in the town and had carnal knowledge of her.

Similarly, the spokesman said that the Geidam Divisional Police Headquarters had on December 26, arrested one Bako Umaru, 35, for allegedly abducting and raping an 11-year-old girl at Hausari area, inflicting severe injury on her private part.

He said the girl lost excess blood in the act and was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Damaturu, after Umaru forced himself into her.

Mr. Abdulkarim also said one Mohammed Jajere, 27, was on December 26, arrested by men of Gashua Divisional Police Headquarters for allegedly raping a young nursing mother at Garindalal area of Dagona Ward.

The spokesman said Mr. Jajere raped the woman, who was recuperating from childbirth, when he broke into her residence in the area with the intent to steal.

He said all the cases were undergoing ‘discreet’ investigation in the command, assuring that the perpetrators would be prosecuted after investigations were completed.

Mr. Abdulkarim said in December only, nine cases of alleged rape involving minors were reported in various divisional stations in the state.

He, however, said the command was combat ready to deal decisively with criminals in the state.

The spokesman, therefore, appealed to citizens to always assist the police with credible information about crime to safeguard lives and property.