Rape and murder are two different gruesome offences. But when a single soul commits these two, it becomes more unforgivable, much less against a minor. However, the rate of rape and murder those days is alarming. Should we talk about it as a case of no security or just absence of conscience in the heart of men?
Following a recent report on the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl in Katsina. Why should a father be more concerned about leaving his daughter for a nearby farm? Have we gotten to the extent of arriving hard to hiring personal bodyguards for our daughters, sisters and mothers? At this point, I find it hard to drag security operatives by their collar because they can’t prevent such happening unless it is reported. The problem here is not generally security but the weak hand of the law and social institutions to effectively deal with the prevention and prosecution of rape cases.
Three months ago, a 41-year-old father was arrested by the Kogi State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for allegedly raping and defiling his 16 years old daughter. What could make a father commit such an abomination? When this man was asked, he blamed it all on being hypnotised after his wife left him with the kids.
But there is no excuse for sexual violence because its effect on the victim is a psychological one that often takes much time to heal. Therefore, section 283 of the Penal Code Act of the Nigerian constitution needs to be written boldly outside the book and the courtroom to public space. The public, especially men, must be aware of the consequences of sexual assault. And how not to be a scapegoat nor cause of long lasting pain for others.
In addition, the government through the media should sponsor programs, continue public awareness and construct an ideology that will help prevent or reduce sexual violence in our society.
Also, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), should partner with the media and the government to establish social campaigns against rape. Religious institutions are not left out, they should join the government and NGOs in the fight against rape. Apparently, so much attention has been given to prosecution. Therefore, it is time to invest in the prevention and reduction of this atrocious act.
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