Italian authorities have arrested two Nigerians and three other African migrants over the alleged abduction and gang rape of a Colombian tourist in Rome, sparking widespread concern across Italy.
According to reports from British news platform Daily Express, the incident occurred on May 19 after a 32-year-old Colombian woman was reportedly approached by a man outside a restaurant in Rome. The suspect allegedly offered to sell her hashish before luring her away from the area.
Investigators revealed that the woman was later transported in a van to an abandoned building located on the eastern outskirts of the Italian capital. Authorities alleged that the victim was held captive for nearly 72 hours, during which she was repeatedly assaulted, drugged and threatened by multiple suspects.
The woman eventually escaped from the building before collapsing on a nearby pavement. A passerby reportedly discovered her in a distressed condition and immediately contacted emergency responders.
Following a police raid on the property, officers arrested five suspects identified as Saidykhan Lamin and Karamba Kanteh from Gambia, Harouna Traore from Mali, alongside two Nigerians identified as Isibor Wisdom and Paul Nwabueze.
Italian prosecutors charged the suspects with aggravated gang rape due to the victim’s vulnerable condition. Meanwhile, police confirmed that investigations remain ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to track down additional suspects linked to the crime, including the alleged recruiter and van driver.
During the operation, officers also discovered 22 undocumented migrants at the abandoned property, while 11 individuals were transferred to detention centres pending deportation proceedings.
