Rape, the illicit sexual affair with a woman without her consent, usually procured through force or deception, has become a major social issue in Nigeria. Almost on daily basis, cases of rape are reported in the land.
It takes place in high and low places, including schools, homes and worship centres, among others. It has also become widespread that virtually every State of Nigeria has one gory tale or the other to tell about rape.
A few cases will suffice. In March 2010, the Ogun State Police Command paraded a certain Pastor Timothy Adebayo of the Holy Spirit Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ijebu Ode, for allegedly raping a 24-year old lady, Miss Kehinde Olalude. In Osun State, a traditional ruler, the Alowa of Ilowa in Obokun Local Government Area of the State, Oba Adebukola Alli, is standing trial for the alleged rape of a corps member serving in his domain, Miss Helen Opara.
In Zamfara State, a Police Inspector, Abdullahi Ibrahim, was recently dismissed from service after he was found culpable for the rape of a 15- year old girl in Maradum Local Government Area of the State.
In Kano State, a corps member serving in Durumi Secondary School in Kano municipality, was gang-raped by four men in a classroom at noon. The suspects were identified as Abba Garba, Abubakar Suleiman, Nazeeply Malam and Ali Wara.
These are just a few out of the many rape cases that take place in Nigeria almost on daily basis. However, of all this, the recent case of rape which took place at Abia State University appears to be most discussed. In the Abia incident, a lady believed to be a student of the university was gang-raped by five students of the same university who recorded and posted the video on the Internet on August 17, 2011. Online reports say the lady was allegedly raped by Ifeanyi Justin Ogu, Jonah Uche and Zaki, and two others. Also following the Abia university episode, rape videos are now said to be indiscriminately hawked in the streets and on our campuses.
The social menace that rape has become in Nigeria should be of concern to all of us. The rise in the act is not unconnected with the social depravity that has eaten deep into our value system. Absence of healthy psychological growth in a number of men in the land is believed to be playing a major role here. While some are affected by the upside-down nature of their families, others have their imaginations and senses conditioned by alcoholism and drug abuse. We also have an army of psychopaths who have no respect for womanhood. This is especially so in patriarchal societies where women are treated as mere sex objects.
In settings such as these, rape and other deviant attitudes are bound to rear their ugly head. But the real problem here is our attitude to the scourge. Rape is a serious offence in the eyes of the law. Yet, we choose to treat it with secrecy while condemning it glibly. That is why women who fall victim to rapists do not want to speak up for fear of stigmatization. Even members of their families encourage them to cover up the act. But in the face of all this, the affected women are traumatized by the harrowing and dehumanizing experience. While rape breeds frigidity in some women, it drives some others into suicide or frustration.
There is therefore the need for incidents of rape to be discussed so that the perpetrators of the act can be brought to justice. The culture of silence about sex and sexuality should be eschewed so that young boys and girls can feel free to discuss sex and related issues with their parents or guardians. As we strive to create an atmosphere that will help to reduce the incidence of sex, we urge all concerned authorities to treat the cases of rape before them with seriousness. The perpetrators of the act must be brought to justice.
The authorities of Abia State university, for instance, should go after those rapists who have given the institution a bad name. Their action is not only bestial, it is a desecration of everything a university stands for. By their action, they have shown that our universities are no longer training people who will be considered worthy in character and learning. Since the Abia case is supported with video tape, forensic experts and security agencies should delve into the matter.
The cooperation of the rape victim should be solicited. She should be interviewed while the tape is analysed for more information on the rapists. We expect all hands to be on deck so that the criminals do not escape justice. But ultimately, the victim should be rehabilitated by the university.
Growing cases of rape
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