By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Police Command, has arrested a 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, over the alleged sexual abuse of two underage girls aged 13 and 14 in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The suspect, who is the pastor of New Generation Pentecostal Church in Amarata, Yenagoa, was arrested on Saturday following a complaint over the alleged abuse of the two victims said to be members of his church.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrest to journalists, stating that the suspect remains in custody while investigation is ongoing.
It was gathered that the 13-year-old victim hails from Abia State while the 14-year-old is an indigene of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to reports, the incident came to light after the 14-year-old girl informed her father, a police officer attached to the State Command.
The incident has attracted condemnation from women rights advocates, including the Bayelsa State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
The organisations called for a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action, stressing the need to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairperson of FIDA Bayelsa, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, said the association is following the case and will advocate for the rights, safety and confidentiality of the victims.
She urged the authorities to ensure diligent prosecution of the matter in accordance with the law, emphasizing that no religious position places anyone above the law.
