The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has expressed deep sadness over the death of a 12-year-old girl found on the highway between Baiima and Benduma in Kailahun District.

According to reports, the 12-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped and stabbed multiple times. Her lifeless body was found lying in the street, drenched in her own blood in Gbaima Town, Eastern Sierra Leone.

In a statement, the Ministry offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of their commitment to seeing justice served.

The Ministry said it is working closely with child protection partners and the Sierra Leone Police to investigate this tragedy. A full investigation is underway, and a postmortem examination has already been conducted. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting children’s rights, as outlined in national and international law.

The Ministry urged the community to cooperate with the police by providing any relevant information that could aid the investigation and lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators.

The Ministry pledged to follow the case closely and keep the public informed. They are working with law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in Sierra Leone. The Ministry assured the public that those responsible will face the full force of the law.