Suspected rapist set ablaze in Benue community

A 22-year-old suspected rapist identified simply as Botswar was set ablaze by an angry mob in Achoho, a settlement in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue state. 

Botswar was accused of raping and killing his brother’s wife on Friday February 2. It was gathered that he accompanied the victim to the farm on the day of the incident but they did not return home.

A search led to the discovery of the woman’s lifeless body. It was found with signs of rape and machete cuts on her nape and nose. Botswar was later traced to Tse-Agberagba, the headquarters of Konshisha LGA where his mother remarried after her first marriage.

After being apprehended and confessing to the rape and murder of the victim, youths of the community set him ablaze. 

A source who spoke to The Nation said;

“The woman was Botswar’s brother’s wife. He was last seen with the woman on Friday on their way to the farm and they did not return.

“When the victim’s body was evacuated on Saturday, it was discovered that Botswar struck the woman with a cutlass on her head and nose, and when she fell on the ground, he took her to under a mango tree where he raped her.

It’s like the woman resisted him when he started making moves to sleep with her. So, while she was pushing a wheelbarrow in his front as they were returning from the farm, Botswar butchered and raped her.”

The source also said the mob did not hand the suspect over to the police because they feared he might be set free.