CP laments high rate of rape cases in Benue

THE Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mukaddas Garba, has lamented the increasing rate of sexual assault cases, especially the defilement of minors in the state.

Garba spoke at the Benue State University, Makurdi, during the dissemination of research findings workshop, organised by the institution’s Center for Gender Studies.

The centre had carried out researches on two topics, ‘Sexual Assault in Benue: Prevalence, Pattern and the Silent Burden,’ and ‘Community Participation in Identifying and Curbing the Menace of Domestic Violence in Benue State.’

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The police commissioner, who was represented by the Gender Officer of the state command, SP Ann Ameh, said the issue of rape had reached an alarming rate “as no day passes without at least a rape or defilement case being reported to the police.”

While calling on the people to ensure that all hands were on deck to check the menace, the police commissioner pledged his commitment to partnering with relevant organisations to reduce the crime to its barest minimum.

In his address, Director of the Centre, Professor Chinwe Onwodumogu, said the two research topics were currently on the front burner of societal discourse at all levels because of their negative impact on individuals, families, communities and the larger society.

Professor Onwodumogu said sexual abuse and domestic violence leave the perpetrators and their victims bitter, disgruntled, psychologically and socially maladjusted, although the effect on the victim is more devastating.