Sickle cell patient raped to death in Benin

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

The news of a sickle cell disorder patient reportedly raped to death in Benin City, has thrown a spin in the already troubled Edo State government sickle cell rehabilitation centre on Reservation Road in the state Capital.

The victim whose name was given as Miss Deborah Bassey, 300 Level student of Benson Idahosa University, was said to have developed a “psychological outburst’’, which forced her to leave the centre to attend a vigil in Church, few kilometres away where she was allegedly raped to death, causing distress and outrage in the neighbourhood.

Some members of the church, raised alarm when they discovered Deborah’s, stone-dead body at dawn.

Complications of the disease led to demand for blood transfusion so her relatives took her to the centre on Friday 28th, February 2014, but she was referred to Central hospital, Benin City by the doctor on call.

Edo State police command Public Relations officer, DSP, Moses Eguavoen who confirmed the report, said though no arrest has been made, investigation has commenced by the homicide Department.

“I’m aware of the case, but I’m not aware if anybody has been arrested’’, he said.

The Public Relations officer of the Ministry, Comrade Joe Apilli in a telephone interview quoted the Commissioner as saying she “was yet to receive brief from appropriate authorities in charge of the centre.