By Gabriella Chinwendu Ayigbo
A disturbing incident has come to light in the Iyara community, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State. The allegation was brought to public attention by activist Joe, following a visit to Melvin Hospital on Thursday, 6 February 2025.
Mr. Joe reported that a sixteen-year-old boy had been receiving critical care at the hospital for two weeks, accompanied by his widowed, deaf, and mute mother. It is alleged that the boy was invited to the residence of a prominent community chief under the guise of receiving used clothing. Upon arrival, the chief reportedly insisted that the boy partake in a meal, suggesting it would be discourteous for the boy to leave the chief’s home without having eaten.
Unbeknownst to the boy, the food had allegedly been laced with an illicit substance. During the meal, the boy began to experience altered consciousness and weakness. At this point, the chief allegedly questioned the boy about his sexual experience. Upon the boy’s negative response, the chief reportedly commended him before proceeding to allegedly remove the boy’s shorts and subject him to non-consensual sexual acts. The boy’s weakened state prevented him from resisting. It is further alleged that the chief then inserted a ring on his thumb into the boy’s anus with force and repeatedly.
The boy subsequently managed to return home, where he began to experience haematochezia and haematemesis before losing consciousness. He awoke in hospital with his mother. It has been alleged that this sequence of events was orchestrated through an arrangement between the victim’s paternal uncle and the chief.
The chief has reportedly fled his residence in Warri, prompting local residents to express their anger by damaging his property.
The matter has been formally reported to the police, and an investigation is underway. Community members are urging authorities to ensure that justice is served, highlighting concerns that this may not be an isolated incident and could potentially recur if the alleged perpetrator is not held accountable.