Rape: Who can be trusted?

The rape and subsequent murder of two female university students, one in Benin inside the church, and  the other in Ogun at her father’s house, has generated tension and condemnation from Nigerians – to the extent that President Muhammadu Buhari has followed to issue a statement condemning the barbaric acts and also condoling and consoling […]

The rape and subsequent murder of two female university students, one in Benin inside the church, and  the other in Ogun at her father’s house, has generated tension and condemnation from Nigerians – to the extent that President Muhammadu Buhari has followed to issue a statement condemning the barbaric acts and also condoling and consoling the family of the victims.

In addition to that, the Inspector General of Police has directed an investigation into the matter through the AIG in charge of the zone with a clear mandate of apprehending  and prosecuting the culprits. It was later reported that some arrests that are related to the incidents were made by the police.

In view of the current happenings and the rate at which such cases are being reported almost on a daily basis in our society and the lack of provision of  coherent and vibrant system that will deal ruthlessly with perpetrators so as to serve as a deterrent to others has aided its  escalation. In a nutshell, it seems obvious criminal acts such as this have come to staye with us due to fragile security conditions.

The unprecedented rate of sexual molestation among males and females of low and high profile, always targeting vulnerable children, is alarming.  Unfortunately, the situation in Nigeria has been quite worrisome due to the fact that numerous cases of incest have been reported recently. Majority of the victims are minors, mostly between the ages of some few months and 12 years old.

Recently, Kaduna State High Court sitting at Dogorawa Sabon Gari, Zaria, has convicted one Usman Shehu  Bashir of Dogarawa area to death by hanging for raping 2 years 9-months- old girl to death. Moreover, In Jigawa,  15 people have been arrested by the police for allegedly raping 12 years old girl for months.

Several cases of father raping his daughter, uncle raping his niece, aunt raping her nephew, cousin raping his cousin and so on, have been underreported out of the fear of stigma. The present reality is that children, most especially girls, are no longer safe around male folks no matter the relationship. the earlier we know this the better.

It is high time for parents/guardians to be more vigilant and watchful over their wards. For if the father cannot be trusted, I don’t think there is anybody left.

Safiyanu Ladan Bsc., Microbiology UDUS.