By Abdul Ganiyu Abdulraman
Some days ago, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, disclosed that Nigeria reported 3,600 rape cases since the beginning of lockdown in the country. Besides, the majority of these cases led to loss of lives.
This has resulted in outcries by the citizens. Furthermore, they bemoaned the menace and quest for justice. Of recent, social media has received an enormous number of unsatisfiable comments in the course of this case. Arguably, no one is celebrating the act.
Advocacy against the menace has hit the media space. Citizens in some states and institutions have carried out a peaceful protest against the action. However, it is only the victims of rape, who can explain how gruesome the act is. May rapists not feast on our bodies? Ameen. No doubt, the menace is not a recent phenomenon in this country, and neither is it a new threat ravaging humanity at large.
Historically, there were rape cases before the coming of colonial masters, though very finite. This was despite the kind of culture in some parts of the country. Today, the number of rape cases has taken a flit in folds compared to the yesteryears figures. So saddening, it is increasing every year. Divergent opinions have flooded the media on the causes of rape.
Some commentators believe that no factor can justify rape while others perceived indecent dressing as a leading factor tempting to rape. Incidences have occurred where a girl was raped due to the “funny” pictures she uploaded. Nothing can be outdated to change. It is never late to reform this habit. Changes can be brought by enacting laws which will regulate media users on their posts and violators of such should face the law. Protests can also be made using social media handles to curtail this menace.
Also, religion is an important medium to curb the act of rape. Clerics should preach against rape and admonish the worshipers on the sins attached to the act. On the government side, the government needs to strengthen our judicial system so that the implementation of already made laws on rape should be well established and given a fast approach too. Perpetrators should face the wrath of law without giving any preference to anyone regardless of social stratification they may hold. Without the implementation of the law(s) judiciously, cases of rape will continue rising beyond our expectations.
On a serious note, if there is a possibility of reviewing the laws of rape in our constitution, I recommend there should be comprehensive research on the cases of rape in different parts of the country to understand the concept enough. And indecent dressing should be redefined according to the culture of the societies.
Abdulrahman writes from Ilorin via: abdulganiyuabdulrahman9@gmail.com