Barakat Omolara Bello, 18, a Hijabi Muslim lady, has been callously hacked to death after being raped by yet-to-be identified assailants in the city of Ibadan on Monday, June 1, 2020.
Some media reports claimed that the deceased was a student of the Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training, Ibadan.
However, Muslim News confirmed from her uncle that she was a student of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in Ibadan.
The gory incident, we reliably gathered, occurred at Akinyele area, Ibadan, on the evening Ms. Barakah had gone to take her bath and the assailants forced their way into her house to loot valuables.
In our quest for #JusticeForBarakat , myself and @OlaTemi2018 met with her parents today at their house located after former Akinyele Kara Market along Old Oyo Road, Ibadan.
Barakat was said to be having her bathe in the bathroom below in the evening when she heard noises… pic.twitter.com/hlj9GM3gQs
— Fatteh Hamid, MON (@OgbeniAyoola) June 3, 2020
Her death came barely some days after the rape and murder of Uwa, a 22-year-old student of the University of Benin in May.
In an emotion-laden interview granted to BBC Yoruba in her home in Ibadan, the mother, Mrs. Bello Kafayat described the incident as the will of God.
According to her, “After the successful looting, the assailants met her on the way out where they pounced on her, ganged-raped her and gruesomely murdered her. She was left lifeless in her pool of blood somewhere around the bathroom.
Mrs. Bello lamented the ordeal of her late daughter, saying that her attackers did not make her live to redeem her many promises.
“I was not at home when the incident occurred. I received a call that I should come home immediately. That was around 6:00pm. They told me something unfortunate had happened. When I got home, I met my daughter in a pool of blood.
“It was her brother who called the attention of neighbours to the ugly incident. He went to madrasah (Islamic school), and upon his return he couldn’t find his sister at home. He went around to look for her, only to find her lying lifeless and hapless on the ground.
“She was an easy going person and was always at home. She does not go out for too long except she wants to charge her phone. In fact, she still went to charge her phone on Monday and people saw her around 5:00pm before the attack.”
The mother also said in the interview that the assailants looted their house, adding that, “They carted away valuables and underwear. That was probably their main intention and that killing her was perhaps just by the way.
In her lamentation, the mother recalled the many promises and assurances her late daughter has pledged to her, noting that her death was most unfortunate while seeking that her attackers be exposed in no time.
“I have accepted this as a trial from God. It’s unfortunate that I have been raising this girl in poverty, hoping that she would grow up to become an important person in life. But here we are today, her journey has been cut short.
“There is nothing anybody can do for me that will bring back my daughter. I just have rest with fate. However, what I seek from God is that her attackers would be shamed and exposed within seven days,” she said.
Muslim News findings revealed that the Oyo police command have begun investigating the incident.
The spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, Fadeyi Olugbenga, told Pulse on Wednesday, June 3 that officers of the Moniya Division have already commenced investigations.
“The Police there are working on it and details will be communicated later,” he said.
Aggrieved Nigerians have besieged social media to protest the rape and eventual murder of Barakah with #JusticeforBarakat.
By: Abdullah Abdulganiy
May Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her Al jannah fridaus, give the family the heart to bear the loss and expose the evil doers as soon as possible. (Aameen)
“Lahaula wala quwwata illa billah”, May her soul have eternal rest and Aljannah be her place of abode. On the part of the criminals,the shower of Allah’s curses be upon them & their faces exposed to the shame caused by their act(Amen).
May Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her Al jannah fridaus, comfort the family and give them the
fortitude to bear the loss and expose the evil doers as soon as possible. (Aameen)
May ALLAH (Subhanna Wa Ta’ala) forgive her shortcomings, grant her the highest ranks of jannah and give the family the patience to bear the loss.
Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’uun. This is callous and heartbreaking. Oh Allah, we seek Your justice against the perpetrators of this dastardly act. We also seek Your consolation for her family. Oh Allah, forgive her shortcomings and accept her into your mercy.
Ya Allah forgives Barakah,illuminate her grave and admit her to the best of your paradise,console the parent and give them fortitude to bear the loss. Ya Robbi expose the perpetrators and put to shame.aameen
Inna lillahi wa Inna ilehi rojihun
May Allah grant her the best abode and exposed the evil doers soonest
May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her the highest place in Jannat
Masha Allah,what a partetic incident May Allah in His infinity mercy forgive Barakah’s shorthcomings,admit her into Jaannatul Firdaos and grant her family members fortitude to bear the lost.
May Allah forgive all her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Fidaus and exposed the perpetrators