We have received 64 cases of rape, defilement since February 2026 in Plateau – CP Ewah
Police Commissioner Reports Alarming Rise in Sexual Offenses in Plateau State
JOH, Nigeria — Plateau State Police Commissioner Bassey Ewah announced that the command has recorded 64 cases of rape and defilement since he took office in February 2026. Ewah made the announcement during a press conference on Friday, where he presented 18 suspects arrested on various charges, including rape, homicide, illegal arms possession, and cultism, at the command’s headquarters in Jos.
Ewah emphasized that rape and defilement should not be treated as private matters, warning against any attempts to resolve these cases outside the judicial system. “This is part of our commitment to ensuring accountability to the public,” he stated, underlining that Plateau State would not tolerate criminal activities.
Among the cases highlighted, Ewah provided a disturbing account from a March 2026 report to the Pankshin Divisional Police Headquarters. An 18-year-old, identified as Longnan Joshua, was accused of assaulting a one-year-old girl. The child’s mother grew suspicious after returning home to find her elder brother bathing the victim. According to police reports, the brother revealed that Joshua had sent him out for snacks, enabling the assault. A medical examination confirmed signs of sexual abuse.
In another case, a 19-year-old named Douglas Madaki was arrested on April 17 for allegedly molesting a seven-year-old girl multiple times, threatening her not to disclose the incidents. Madaki reportedly confessed to the crime while in custody.
Ewah also mentioned an arrest on March 9, where a 40-year-old man, identified as Asen Arin, was charged with repeatedly molesting his young niece. Authorities are seeking additional suspects believed to be involved in similar offenses.
In a separate incident on April 23, police arrested Oyenado Yetunde Esther, a female guardian, for assaulting a 17-year-old girl in her care. This incident stemmed from Esther witnessing the victim in a compromising situation with a 34-year-old male, Christopher Jah Gyang, who was also apprehended.
Ewah reported a mob-induced fatality on April 1, where a 40-year-old man, Ebubechukwu Kelvin Ihionu, was lynched near the University of Jos. Investigation into the incident led to the tracking of his phone, linking it to other suspects in the case.
Additionally, on April 26, police arrested a male suspect, Iliya Amagon, in Barkin Ladi with illegally acquired firearms. Amagon admitted to purchasing multiple weapons and reselling them.
Ewah described the surge in sexual offenses as a “disturbing epidemic” affecting children, noting an alarming trend where both boys and girls are victims of such crimes. “This abomination is a betrayal of trust,” he asserted.
He condemned suggestions from some community leaders advocating for the settlement of these cases privately. “Rape and defilement are felonies against the state,” he stated, declaring that there would be no tolerance for shielded offenders.
Ewah has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to ensure all reported cases of rape and defilement are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. He warned that anyone attempting to interfere with these cases would be arrested and charged as an accessory to the crime.
He urged parents to remain vigilant in protecting their children and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police. “See Something, Say Something,” he advised.
