By Our Correspondent
A male nurse, Austin Etim who works with the General Hospital, Calabar, has been arrested by the police for allegedly defiling a 14 year old girl inside the male ward of the hospital.
The suspect who was arrested on Monday afternoon following reports by the hospital management and intervention of the Ministry of Health, allegedly committed the crime at the weekend.
It was learnt that the 14 year old ( name witheld) who was said to be taking care of her sick father at the hospital's male ward while the mother was running around for other things was sexually assaulted by the male nurse on Saturday.
According to impeccable sources in the hospital, the nurse used the a scarf to tie up the victim before assaulting her .
A nurse who pleaded anonymity said the incident happened on Saturday as the teenager was taking care of the sick father who was also unconscious at the time ,while the mum was running around to get drugs as well as other items.
"The girl said he ( suspect) hit her twice before penetrating , while tying her hands with a scarf, as she lost strength while shouting, but the suspect overpowered her and had his way.
"The next morning which was Sunday, the girl who was crying reported the matter to another nurse on duty as well as her mum who collapsed when she heard the incident.
"The furious mother immediately called their pastor who promised to come to the hospital after church service , but suddenly , the mother of the teenager changed her mind and said she doesn't want the matter prosecuted any longer.
However, it was gathered that the management of the hospital after severally interrogating the suspects who denied being involved in such called the police and the suspects was arrested.
When contacted , Permanent Secretary , Ministry of health, MOH , Dr Iwara Iwara said the suspect has been suspended henceforth, and the hospital has been given 48 hours to medically examine the teenager and produce her medical report for onward prosecution of the matter.
"There has to be a medical examination before we can ascertain the claims of the teenager, we have ordered for a medical examination and report to be carried out immediately.
"We have also suspended the suspected nurse, while we await the medical report before any other thing can be done on the matter,, but her has been arrested " Dr Iwara said .
When the reporter visited the hospital Monday evening , the incident was a subject of discussion as some doctors were overhead mocking nurses tagging them rapists and can't be trusted with females patients in the hospital any longer.
On his part , Principal Counsel, Basic Rights Council Initiative , BCRI, James Ibor Esq lauded the hospital, as well as Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Health ,Dr Iwara Iwara for their timely intervention and the subsequent arrest of the suspect.
Ibor added that BCRI will provide support for the teenager while assuring that justice will be served as no amount of pressure will make them allow the matter to be swept under the carpet .
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