Some hoodlums have attacked a man, Ganiu, and his lover, identified only as Ibiyemi, in Ago Egun community, in the Ilaje, Bariga area of Lagos State, during which they gang-raped the woman.
Our correspondent learnt that while three of the hoodlums dealt Ganiu blows, five others swooped on Ibiyemi, a trader, blindfolded and raped her.
PUNCH Metro learnt that Ganiu and Ibiyemi had not had any previous encounter with the assailants, who were said to be residents of the community.
It was gathered that Ganiu and his lover were walking to the lady’s house in the community when they were accosted by the gang of eight men.
The gang reportedly engaged the man in a fight, during which they injured him.
While he battled to free himself from their grasp, the hoodlums reportedly raped 24-year-old Ibiyemi, before fleeing the scene.
Our correspondent gathered that the matter was reported at the Bariga Police Division the following day, and two of the suspects were arrested.
The suspected rapists, who were reportedly identified by the victim, were thereafter transferred to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Ikeja.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro, Ganiu, a bricklayer, said he was shocked at the attack because he did nothing to warrant the attack.
He added that although the police had yet to arrest all the attackers, he could identify all of them.
He said, “They just attacked us. They were not with any weapon. Five of them raped my lover. Two persons have been arrested by the police, but I learnt that they might be released today (Thursday).”
A human rights worker, Toyin Okhlagogo, who is also a resident, told PUNCH Metro that Ibiyemi was taken to the Mirabel Centre, Ikeja, for a checkup.
He said, “The victim was paid some money by the family of one of the suspects to treat her bruises. She was thereafter taken to the Mirabel Centre, Ikeja, for treatment. For now, there are two suspects in police custody in Ikeja.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.
“The case is under investigation,” she added.
