Why Nigeria must tackle rape menace

Rape is dishonourable, immoral and sinful to humans and must be outrightly condemned by all. Every man or woman who has a wife, a sister, a niece, or a daughter must understand that rape is a crime against humanity and must be kicked out now. It is dishonourable because it takes away the pride of […]

Rape is dishonourable, immoral and sinful to humans and must be outrightly condemned by all. Every man or woman who has a wife, a sister, a niece, or a daughter must understand that rape is a crime against humanity and must be kicked out now.

It is dishonourable because it takes away the pride of the victim who has been raped and her skin is engraved with a deep wound that may take years to heal.

It is immoral because it goes against the general acceptable way and manner of conduct in any given society. It is also sinful because it goes against the dictates of the creator and amounts to stealing from the other person, the victim.

We have heard the government of Nigeria speak against it but with no line of action. We have seen the hand of the law taking a long but slow road to this issue.

One of the challenges is the low level of prosecution despite the high number of media-reported cases. Some victims agree to ‘settle the matter’ with the active connivance or encouragement of law enforcers. Although the Penal Code of Nigeria (Section 282), the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (Section 258), and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (Section 1) all present rape as a serious offence, one unconfirmed report states that there have been only 18 convictions in Nigeria! Most rape cases are never reported.

Government should   declare a national crisis on rape. Women and children’s safety must be paramount across Nigeria. The security agents should wake up and take a necessary measure on the issue.

As a woman, there’s a need to take it upon you to resist the societal attempt to objectify yourself. Your “womanness” is not by how good you conform to the stupid societal standard of you being an object. You’re a woman and that alone validates your “womanness”.

And as a man, you need to understand that the idea of being “a dog who respects no fair play in the game” only puts you in the same pedestal as animals.

Rapists are criminals and should be prosecuted and convicted. Victims’ identities should be protected. Known rapists should be named and tagged. A special anti-rape unit should be created in the Nigeria Police dominated by trained women.

Abdullahi Adamu