By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.
Operatives of the ‘A’ Division of the Bayelsà State Police Command have arrested. A 50-year-old pastor identified as Ambros Mark over his alleged sexual defilement of two minors in the State.
According to the Police, the two minors are between the ages of 13 years and 14 years and we’re members of Choir in the Church.
The 13 years old girl is from Abia State and the 14 years old girl is from Ogbia Local Government area of the State.
The Church is identified as Point of Redemption Church International and located behind Amarata area of the State capital.
According to some residents, the Pastor was accused of regular involvement with underaged girls and has allegedly had repeated canal knowledge of young girls including the two recent minors.
A source told this correspondent that, the 14 years old victim, reportedly objected to the continuation of his sexual act and reported to the Father, who is a Police man attached to the State Command.
And the father incidented the alleged case of defilement of minor against the Pastor at the Police Division and he was arrested last Saturday.
It was gathered that the desperate attempts by the Pastor to cover up the case with alleged financial settlement with the family of the victim had failed due to the refusal of the Parents of the 13 years old victim to agree.
But contacted on the development, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsà State chapter, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, Esq and the founder of the women advocacy group, Do Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, confirmed the incident and strongly condemns the alleged sexual defilement of two children by a pastor in Bayelsa State.
While the Do Foundation expressed shock over the incident and condemned the alleged action of the Pastor.
Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, Esq told our correspondent that FIDA in Bayelsa is actively following the matter, engaging within its mandate to protect the rights of the affected children, and monitoring the legal process to ensure that their interests are safeguarded and that justice is pursued.
She stated that “We acknowledge the arrest of the alleged perpetrator and urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the matter is diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
“As an organisation committed to the protection of women’s and children’s rights, FIDA Bayelsa will continue to advocate for the children’s safety, dignity, confidentiality and access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support.”
“We reiterate that no religious title or position places anyone above the law. Our children deserve protection, and alleged sexual offences against them must never be concealed or trivialised.”
“FIDA Bayelsa remains committed to ensuring that the rights and best interests of the affected children are upheld throughout the legal process.”
