15-year-old Goodluck Bison has been taken into custody by the military for battering and raping a 14-year-old girl to near death in Ebonyi State on August 28, 2024.

Goodluck, the son of an army official, forced entry into his neighbour’s house by tearing the net of their window. Upon seeing 14-year-old Mercy Vangervihi fast asleep, he snuck into the house’s kitchen, picked up a pestle, and entered Mercy’s room. He then hit Mercy with the pestle and raped her while she was in bed. The commotion caught the attention of community members who had thought there had been a thief in the house.

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“I opened the house and found her lying on the floor with blood gushing through her ears.” Masefan Moses, the survivor’s uncle, told Naija Feminists Media (NFM). “I then noticed bathroom slippers at the door and felt the person was still inside. I searched everywhere in the house, and not long after that, I found the boy hiding in a drum in the bathroom where I dragged him out, and the barracks military took him into custody.”

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Upon finding Mercy brutalised and catching the culprit, Mercy’s family members took her to the hospital for emergency care. Although they first attempted to take her to a teaching hospital in Ebonyi, the medical institution was closed due to a strike.

“We moved her to Paulsonic Hospital in Enugu, where she was unconscious for over twenty-four hours. She was then diagnosed with bleeding in her head and recommended to have immediate surgery to rectify that. Forty-eight hours later, she has been given treatment to alleviate her pain and has awoken, though in a state of constant pain and crying,” Mr Masefan said.

On Mercy’s condition, a computed tomography (CT) scan signed by the Salt City Diagnostic Consultant, Ebonyi State, Oboke S.O., states that she has “Acute Epidural Hematoma,” a collection of extravascular blood in the epidural matter.

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According to a Cleveland Clinic report, an Epidural Hematoma (EDH) can be a life-threatening condition. It usually requires immediate treatment or can cause brain damage or possibly death if left untreated—an EDH results in death in up to 15% of cases.

“Mercy’s ears have stopped bleeding, but her eyes and cheeks where she was hit have swollen. She manages to eat only pap (maize puree).” Happiness Vangervihi, Mercy’s elder sister, told NFM, “The doctors have only checked on her once to confirm the deposit. They are firm in their stance, and we are seeking help as we cannot afford it.”

Reactions have trailed the incidence of Goodluck Bison raping a girl in her home.

“I hear stories of sexual assault and rape a lot, but nothing hits close to home as this story. The culprit literally invaded her home and committed this act, leading me to believe that as a woman, your safety is an illusion because all this happened in an army barracks,” Egbo Chisom, medical student and feminist, said.

“See how society’s denial of dealing with patriarchy, sexism and misogyny is perpetuating the cycle of (male) violence against girls and women,” Maduduzo (@MaduduzoR) tweeted.

“Walahi, I don’t care if the boy is underage. He should be put down like an animal that he is. Tchurchboy (@BigCastro101) said. “Anyone that stands in the way of justice should be put down too. This is so evil and heartless.”

Women’s Rights Activists have also been trying to raise medical funds for the 15-year-old survivor. Ufuoma Gabari, who has been crowdfunding for Mercy on social media, has urged people to donate.

“Please donate to this account: Acct no: 4041092138. Masefam Moses. Zenith Bank. She needs surgery, every donation counts,” she tweeted.

Mercy’s family still awaits the military’s verdict on Goodluck Bison’s action.

“We just want justice to prevail,” Mr Masefam said.