Benue man caught beating sister in viral video arrested

The police in Benue State have arrested a 59-year-old man who was caught beating his sister to stupor in a video that went viral.

Our correspondent reports that in the said video, the man, Kelvin Iorfa, was seen manhandling his younger sister, who is an adult.

He used what looked like a belt to whip the young woman outside the house until she fell to the ground, and he continued beating and also kicking her. He then used a travelling bag to hit her until she was motionless.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue command, SP Catherine Anene, said the Iorfa was picked up on Tuesday afternoon in Makurdi.

“On April 11, 2023, at about 1000hrs, a report was received at ‘A’ Police Division Makurdi that one Kelvin Iorfa, aged 59, assaulted his younger sister, Miss Nguwasen Iorfa, about four days ago, and a video was made to that effect.

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“The suspect was arrested immediately. In his statement, the suspect confessed that he had a heated argument with his younger sister, and it provoked him to beat her up that much,” Anene stated.

She added that efforts were being made to reach the victim, who is said to have gone out of reach since the incident.

Anene said the police commissioner also commended members of the public for efforts made to reach the police on the case, adding that the suspect was in custody and the investigation was ongoing.

Meanwhile, a network of HeforShe Champions in Benue and beyond has condemned the violent act allegedly perpetrated by Kelvin, on the defenceless woman in Makurdi, as shown in the viral video on Monday, April 10.

Mike Assoh, a lawyer who is the Unit Coordinator of NBA HeForShe Champions, noted in a statement that, “We are aware that the said alleged abuser has been arrested by the law enforcement agents.

“The NBA HeForShe shall follow up and collaborate with all security agencies, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), FIDA, CSOs, men and women of goodwill to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

“We use this opportunity to solicit information so as to overcome the conspiracy of silence against gender-based violence in society at large.

“We appreciate the ‘amateur videographer’ for doing a marvellous job and the security agents for swinging into action with immediacy.”