MONDAY June 15 was a dark day for Habiba Auwalu (not real name) who hawks awara (a local cake produced from soya beans) at the Staff Quarters of the Federal Medical Centre Azare, in the North Eastern State of Bauchi. Habiba, 13, abandoned school for hawking in order to help raise money in support of her mother who lost her husband in March. On the morning of that faithful Monday, the teenager was lured into her predator's den through the exigencies of her trade and got raped, by Umaru Yahaya, the CMD's cook.

"He placed an order for Awara, while taking it to him, a friend accompanied me. Upon arrival, I could see some frustration in his face, so he angrily asked me why I came with a friend. He said I should have come alone. " He then withheld the money and asked me to return later so I would have it.

"He warned that if I come back with my friend again, he will not pay for the cake, so I decided to go back alone in order to have my money.

"When I went back, he dragged me into a room where he defiled me; warning that if I dare let it out, he would chuck me with knife till I die and then I will be dismembered completely and nothing would happen to him", Habiba narrates her predicament with shaking voice and teary face.

Habiba was defiled by a cook of the Chief Medical Director Federal Medical Centre Azare, Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim Bichi, at his residence.

What is more appalling is the dismissal of a security guard who exposed Habiba's predator.

READ MORE: https://www.icirnigeria.org/covid-19-weak-laws-poverty-worsen-gender-based-violence-in-bauchi-during-lockdown-part-1/

Justice for habiba