Defiled at 12, a Mother at 13: ‘Pastor Said I Would Die if I Told Anyone’!

Defiled at 12, a Mother at 13: ‘Pastor Said I Would Die if I Told Anyone’!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

A harrowing case of abuse has emerged from Atan, Ogun State, where a 12‑year‑old primary school pupil was defiled by a pastor, impregnated and gave birth at 13. The young girl, referred to as “Blessing” for privacy, claims the pastor threatened her life if she ever disclosed the abuse. [1]

What We Know

• Two and a half years ago, the girl was sent home from school for failing to pay N1,500 for a textbook. While waiting outside her house, she was invited by a trusted neighbour—Pastor Oluwole Jonathan, the shepherd of the local Christ Apostolic Church, Land of Mercy—to rest in his apartment, situated beside his church. [1]
• Upon entering the pastor’s home, she was allegedly given medicine, asked to rest, and subsequently discovered bleeding—evidence of sexual assault. She was told: “If you tell anyone, you will die.” [1]
• Her mother eventually discovered she was five months pregnant after dismissing initial signs as “fever.” DNA results confirmed the pastor fathered the child. He was arrested and later sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for defilement. [1]
• Since the trauma, Blessing has exhibited strange behavioural patterns and has been unable to return to formal schooling, leading her family to relocate in search of safety and anonymity. [1]

Why It Matters

• This case sheds light on the endemic problem of child sexual abuse in Nigeria, especially when perpetrators are community or religious figures.
• It underscores the need for stronger enforcement of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and other protective legislations.
• The emotional and psychological wellbeing of the victim and her family has been severely impacted, illustrating the long‑term consequences of such crimes. What to Watch:
• Support mechanisms for the victim: counselling, psychological care, and safe reintegration into schooling.
• Legal follow‑through: monitoring how the 21‑year sentence is enforced and whether further legal reforms for stricter penalties result.
• Community response: initiatives in Atan and surrounding areas to prevent similar offences and hold religious/guardian figures accountable.

Sources

1. Vanguard News – “Defiled @ 12, a mother @ 13: ‘Pastor said I would die if I told anyone’” (Oct. 25 2025) [1]
2. Additional background on child‑rights cases in Nigeria. (For broader context)

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/defiled-12-a-mother-13-pastor-said-i-would-die-if-i-told-anyone/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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