Banditry: Family of four narrowly escape death

On January 14, 2024, new details emerged about a distressing incident that took place on December 24, 2023. Mrs. Olukanni Olusola Mary and her two children, Olukanni Anjolaoluwa Victoria and Olukanni Oluwadarasimi Wayne, were taken by bandits following a violent assault on their home. The attack, occurring around 10:30 pm, saw the family narrowly escape harm but were later captured while trying to reach safety. Mrs. Olukanni’s husband, Mr. Olukanni Oluwasanmi Pius, managed to evade capture.

The family was held for five days before being rescued by Safe Haven Jos. During their time in captivity, Mrs. Olukanni, aged 36, experienced sexual assault in captivity. After her rescue, Mrs. Olukanni was taken to a hospital for medical assessment, where she was found to have contracted sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), indicating the severe physical and psychological impact of the assault she has endured.

The action of the team ensured her safety and marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey towards her recovery.

Given the severe nature of the crime and the subsequent medical findings, it is clear that Mrs. Olukanni is not only a victim of a violent attack but also faces ongoing risks to her safety, dignity, and mental well-being. It has emerged that all members of her local advocacy group—focused on issues such as female genital mutilation and child marriage—have experienced similar hardships.

The trauma she has endured may place her at greater risk if she returns to her previous environment, where her home was destroyed. Considering that the area is also characterised by a lack of accountability for perpetrators and stigma towards victims, therefore, Mrs. Olukanni urgently needs to be provided with a safe refuge where she can begin the process of healing and rebuilding her life, free from further threats and victimisation.