By John Odhe, YENAGOA
A 50-year old Pastor of a new generation church, identified as Ambros Mark is currently cooling off at the Bayelsa State Police Command over allegations of sexually abusing two underage girls aged 13 and 14 respectively in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The suspect, who is the pastor of New Generation Pentecostal Church in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, was arrested following a complaint concerning the alleged abuse of the two girls, who were said to be members of his church.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrest to journalists, stating that the suspect remained in custody while investigations continued.
The 13-year-old girl, who is one of the victims, hails from Abia State, while the 14-year-old is from Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Reports indicate that the case came to light after the 14-year-old girl allegedly informed her father, a police officer attached to the state command of her experience.
The incident has attracted condemnation from women’s rights advocates, including the Bayelsa State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Do Foundation, a gender based nongovernmental organisation.
The organisations called for a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action, stressing the need to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
FIDA Bayelsa Chairperson, Dr Boma Tonye Miebai, said the organisation was following the case and would advocate for the rights, safety and confidentiality of the alleged victims.
She urged the authorities to ensure that the matter was diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law, emphasising that no religious position placed anyone above the law.
