What’s the suitable punishment for rape?

David Mark, Masaka: Rape in Nigeria is a criminal offense and I think one of the causes is the way and manner people dress. A capital punishment or 25 to 30 years imprisonment. The young girls that fall victim pass through trauma and it affects their future both psychologically and otherwise. Most times the victims […]

David Mark, Masaka: Rape in Nigeria is a criminal offense and I think one of the causes is the way and manner people dress. A capital punishment or 25 to 30 years imprisonment. The young girls that fall victim pass through trauma and it affects their future both psychologically and otherwise.

Most times the victims don’t disclose the crime due to stigmatization, therefore the issue should be taken with great seriousness.

Faith Ezekiel, TEKAN Estate: I’ve heard of several cases of rape. I think they should be jailed for two years with hard labor so they will realize their mistakes, but if the person comes and asks for forgiveness I am willing to forgive, if am a victim.

Faith Nandom, Masaka: They should be adequately punished. It is because the laws are not implemented that is why they take it for granted.

Nathaniel Agada, Asokoro: There are laid down laws and punishments for the perpetrators, I will not support reduction in jail term due to the gravity of damage the perpetrators cause. Imagine the emotional torture!

However parents and religious leaders have tremendous role to play but I think 14 years is okay.

Alifa Nicholas, Asokoro:  Seriously I think the jail term is okay.’

Gift Daspan, Mararaba: Anybody caught should face death penalty because that kind of person is no longer useful on this earth.

Barr Yeshak Maxwell: The act of rape is inhuman, anyone who rapes is sick. The punishment is 14 years without bail but that is not enough, it should be life sentence. I have heard of it severally. There was one that happened close to me in one of the private universities. As I speak to you now, it is over six months but the perpetrator has not been charged to court. 

Such people should be kept in a place where they will work hard and the benefit of their hard labor should go to the government treasury.