15-year-old Goodluck Bison has been taken into custody by the military for battering and raping a 14-year-old girl to near death in Ebonyi State on August 28, 2024.
Goodluck, the son of an army officer, forced entry into his neighbour’s house by tearing the net of their window. Upon seeing 14-year-old Mercy Vangervihi fast asleep, he snuck into the house’s kitchen, picked up a pestle, and entered Mary’s room.
He then hit Mary with the pestle and raped her while she was in bed. The commotion caught the attention of community members who had thought there had been a thief in the house.
“I opened the house and found her lying on the floor with blood gushing through her ears.” Masefan Moses, the survivor’s uncle, said.
“I then noticed bathroom slippers at the door and felt the person was still inside. I searched everywhere in the house, and not long after that, I found the boy hiding in a drum in the bathroom where I dragged him out, and the barracks military took him into custody.”
Upon finding Mary brutalised and catching the culprit, Mary’s family members took her to the hospital for emergency care.
Although they first attempted to take her to a teaching hospital in Ebonyi, the medical institution was closed due to a strike.
“We moved her to Paulsonic Hospital in Enugu, where she was unconscious for over twenty-four hours. She was then diagnosed with bleeding in her head and recommended to have immediate surgery to rectify that. Forty-eight hours later, she has been given treatment to alleviate her pain and has awoken, though in a state of constant pain and crying,” Mr Masefan said.
On Mary’s condition, a computed tomography (CT) scan signed by the Salt City Diagnostic Consultant, Ebonyi State, Oboke S.O., states that she has “Acute Epidural Hematoma,” a collection of extravascular blood in the epidural matter.
According to a Cleveland Clinic report, an Epidural Hematoma (EDH) can be a life-threatening condition.
It usually requires immediate treatment or can cause brain damage or possibly death if left untreated-an EDH results in death in up to 15% of cases.
“Mary’s ears have stopped bleeding, but her eyes and cheeks where she was hit have swollen. She manages to eat only pap (maise puree).” Happiness Vangervihi, Mary’s elder sister, told NFM.
“The doctors have only checked on her once to confirm the deposit. They are firm in their stance, and we are seeking help as we cannot afford it.”
Please donate to this account: Acct no: 4041092138. Masefam Moses. Zenith Bank. She needs surgery, every donation counts.
Mary’s family still awaits the military’s verdict on Goodluck Bison’s action.
