By Oluwakemi Ishola
The Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Oloye Teslim Folarin, has expressed rude shock over alleged rape and gruesome killing of a constituent, Miss. Bello Barakat, a student of Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training, Moor Plantation Ibadan, Oyo State. He therefore called on relevant security agencies to speedily investigate the crimes with a view to bringing the culprits to book in order to serve as a deterrent to others.
On Monday June 1, 2020, Barakat was allegedly attacked by unknown person(s) who stabbed her to death at the back of the home she shared with her family in Akinyele area of Ibadan by criminal(s) who suspected robbers. The 19 year-old victim was described by family friends as nice and easy-going girl. Her rape and murder is the latest in a string of high-profile sexual crimes that have gained national outrage.
Senator Folarin, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Com. YSO Olaniyi, described the incident as horrific, barbaric and shocking.
The statement reads: “I was shocked to receive the news of Miss Bello Barakat being gang-raped and subsequently murdered by the agents of darkness. I am deeply concerned about increasing cases of rape and brutality against the girl child in Nigeria. Baraka’s gruesome killing is a one death too many, therefore the nonsensical act of raping must stop in Nigeria”
“The rape and murder of Barakat is nothing short of horrific. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim. As the Senator representing Akinyele and other ten local government areas of Oyo Central, I will seek justice for late Barakat Bello. By God’s Grace, I will ensure that all the culprits responsible for this barbaric act are swiftly brought to justice.”
Oloye Folarin while expressing his worries over high rate of crimes in Oyo State, called on the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), to ensure speedy and thorough investigation on the case.
The former senate leader has directed his team to pay condolence visit to the bereaved family pending his arrival from Abuja. “I will personally visit the bereaved family. I have commenced seeking justice for Barakat right here in Abuja; I am already reaching out to the top echelons of Nigeria security agencies. I assure late Barakat’s family my full supports in this trying time” Folarin stressed.
Barakat’s death came in the wake of the rape and murder of Uwa, a 22-year-old student of the University of Benin, on May 27, 2020. Also, it will be recalled that the 2years old twins of Ibadan-based Islamic scholar were kidnapped in Akinyele LGA sometimes in May.
