The police in Bauchi State have detained a 42-year-old man over alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl in Bauchi metropolis.

This is contained in a statement by the state police spokesman, Nafiu Habib, on Wednesday in Bauchi.

He said that the command in its fight against sexual and gender-based violence, detained the suspect (name withheld), in connection with an alleged case of defilement of a minor.

Mr Habib said that the mother of the victim, a resident of Dorawan Dillalai quarters, reported the case on July 5,  at the Police ‘E’ Division Yelwa.

He said the complainant alleged that the suspect lured the victim into his room and defiled her.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives immediately swung into action. The victim was taken to the police clinic for medical examination and treatment.

“The suspect was also taken to the same facility for treatment after being assaulted by some angry members of the community, and was subsequently discharged,” he said.

Mr Habib said that the case was under investigation at the Gender Laboratory of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.

The statement also quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Sani Aliyu, as condemning the offence, and assured that justice would be served in accordance with the law.

He urged residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving children to security agencies.

 (NAN)