Nigerians have expressed outrage over the alleged abduction of a 14-year-old girl identified as Ese Oruru by one Yinusa, aka Yellow, who took her to Kano, converted her to Islam and forced her into marriage.
According to reports, Yinusa, a tricycle driver, took the then 13-year-old to Kano on August 12, 2015, from her mother’s shop in Opolo Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Yinusa allegedly abducted Ese after her mother, Mrs. Rose Oruru, had gone out on the day leaving the girl and her siblings in the shop.
Efforts to get the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi Lamido (Muhammadu Sanusi II), whose palace the girl was said to have been taken to, to intervene has reportedly proved abortive.
Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, was quoted to have said the girl was dependent on the intervention of the emir.
Arase said this in an interview with PUNCH Sunday, adding that the delay in Ese’s release was a result of the emir’s trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj.
“I have just spoken with the Sunday PUNCH’s editor. I explained to her about the delay. The police command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, actually followed up the matter right from Kano State.
“The emir decided that he was going to mediate. But, because of his trip to Mecca with the president. That was what caused the delay. But now that he is back, we are going to sort it out as quickly as possible,” Arase said.
Asked how soon Nigerians should expect the release of Ese, the police chief added: “Well, that is dependent on the intervention of the Emir. We have agreed to resolve the matter. I cannot give a timeline.”
Furious Nigerians have taken to social media to demand the immediate release of the girl and prosecution of all those linked to her abduction.
Their reactions below:
What color is rage? What kind of society/religion condones the kidnap/rape of a child? There should be ONE law for all Nigerians. #FreeEse
— Kambili M.A. Chimalu (@depsyfiesty) February 29, 2016
I’m awake this early, can’t even sleep no more. So so disgusted by this Ese’s story. I can’t believe this is happenin in 2016! #FreeEse
— Prosper (@PrizzyO_O) February 29, 2016
We’re terribly worried about the silence of @Mbuhari & @ProfOsinbajo on #FreeEse and #AgatuKillings
The silence is unbelievable!#SpeakNow— The 10taclesNG (@10taclesng) February 29, 2016
May God and Allah punish anyone supporting this crime #freeEse
— olanrewaju_s.d (@dareysammi) February 29, 2016
@abbarlog The heavy hands of the law must rest on the evil perpetrators.. #JusticeMustBeServed #FreeEse
— Olufunke (@Funkemyfun) February 29, 2016
Some many police officers are supposed to be relieved of their duties because of this #FreeEse case. Commissioners of police inclusive.
— Chudi||EZENWANKWO (@abbarlog) February 29, 2016
What is the police hierarchy doing about this nonsense? Must we raise a hashtag & march before people do their jobs? #FreeEse #FreeEse
— The Godfather (@Ayourb) February 28, 2016
The most annoying part of #FreeEse issue is that the miscreants are using Islam as a shield to perpetrate their crime.
— Ebuka Akara (@ebuka_akara) February 28, 2016
Attention: Mr. President & Vice President
Kindly look into #FreeEse. @NGRPresident @ProfOsinbajo
— PDP Nigeria (@PdpNigeria) February 28, 2016
Hey @toluogunlesi please tell your principal when he returns from Qatar, this #FreeEse matter needs his attention
— Rosanwo (@rosanwo) February 28, 2016
Mama Taraba needs to do something. Isn’t she the Women’s Minister or something like that. Make a statement, we need to #FreeEse
— Makida Moka (@TheMakidaMoka) February 28, 2016
@benmurraybruce don’t come to twitter and tweet, it’s time to work #FreeEse
— olanrewaju_s.d (@dareysammi) February 29, 2016
— olanrewaju_s.d (@dareysammi) February 29, 2016
Such a lawless country! AIG is yarning balls, a whole IG too can’t do anything until the Emir intervenes. What nonesense! #FreeEse
— Prosper (@PrizzyO_O) February 29, 2016
