A welder identified as Korede Adewumi has reportedly fled his residence after he was accused of raping a 19-year-old teenager in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

The welder absconded after he was accused of raping an SS2 student while she was hawking ‘aadun’ around Olubuse area of Ile-Ife.

It was gathered that the rape victim started hawking to keep herself busy since schools are closed due to Coronavirus pandemic.

It was learnt that the welder allegedly pretended he wanted to buy her snacks and lured her to his house where he raped her while hawking on Friday, July 3.

According to report, Korede was allegedly sitting in the verandah of his house when he saw her and called her.

Korede reportedly went inside, pretending he was going to get her money, then, he came to his door and asked her to come get her money. As soon as she got to him, he allegedly pulled her hands and forcefully dragged her into his house where he allegedly raped her.

It was also reported that the landlord heard the girl’s screams but by the time he reached out to neighbours for help, Korede was allegedly done with the act.

The victim was taken to a nursing home where some tests were carried out. The case was then reported at Aagun Police station.

According to a report referring the victim to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital written by the Jesuloluwa nursing home and maternity, “the above-named patient came to my facility with the history of forced sexual intercourse. There is bleeding per vagina as confirmed by the clinician in-charge”.

Both the police and family members of Mr Adewumi said they do not know his whereabouts.

Police operatives have visited Korede Adewunmi’s home multiple times, but they haven’t found him. His aged mother also claims she hasn’t seen him.

The police have said they will not give up until they find him.