On rape cases in Nigeria

Rape cases in Nigeria are on the increase and at very alarming rate.  Reports of rapes are in the newspapers every day. It is heart-breaking to know that children and even adults live with such terror. Despite what is reported, there are still many unreported cases because of the stigma associated with the act.  Most […]

Rape cases in Nigeria are on the increase and at very alarming rate.  Reports of rapes are in the newspapers every day. It is heart-breaking to know that children and even adults live with such terror.

Despite what is reported, there are still many unreported cases because of the stigma associated with the act.  Most rape victims suffer trauma, inability to forge meaningful relationships with the opposite sex, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

People have to understand that rape causes a lot of damage to women. It increases their chances of getting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, causes mental disorder and a feeling of low self-esteem. We need to accept that it is a social problem that needs our collective commitment.

Professionals, health workers and law enforcement agencies have emphasised that systemic silencing of victims/survivors contribute to the menace.

A good number of perpetrators of rape move about freely on the streets after committing the heinous act due to poor investigation and inherent defects in the criminal justice system. Reporting this crime is the safest way of preventing others from becoming victims. Ignoring the issue will also teach the younger generation that they can get away with such crimes. Victims should learn to speak up, as in so doing, the crime can be tackled.

Sadly, our rape conviction numbers are abysmally low against the prevalence of rape in our country. Rape victims should get justice and they should also undergo some form of rehabilitation. Children should be sensitised on how to react when they are touched inappropriately.  It is time for the nation to stand  up against the crime. We need to do something about it now.

 

Yusuf Hassan Wada wrote this piece from Katsina, Katsina State.