Sexual assaults have been on the rise, dating back to a decade ago; where numerous rape incidents and other immoral sexual behaviours were reported.
Findings from a National Survey carried out in 2014 on “Violence against Children in Nigeria”, confirmed one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood with approximately 70% reporting more than one incident of sexual violence. In the same study, it was found that 28.8% of females,ages 18 to 24 years experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18 of which 5.0% sought help, with only 3.5% receiving any services.
In spite of judicial deterrent, cases of sexual assault, especially rape are not declining in our society.
True to this claim is the recent rape incident which involved a 300 level female undergraduate in the department of Religious and African Studies at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, and her assailants, members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who were stationed at the military checkpoint at Ikare-Akoko in the State where the incident happened.
Ironically, these are the set of people who should be maintaining law and order in the society, as well as, protecting human dignity.
This shows the height of lawlessness among members of the public, not excluding law enforcement personnel.
According to the Nigerian constitution, rape is punishable with life imprisonment. But, how many rape cases have been tried in the court of law? And how many persons have been convicted of rape?
The answers to these questions will remain unanswered. A study on “Trends and Patterns of Sexual Assaults in Lagos South-Western Nigeria”carried out in 2016 showed that only 2 out of 40 cases of rape are reported, attributing this low turnout to the arduous legal requirements needed to prove the cases and the associated stigma.
History is about to repeat itself with the fresh rape case involving a female undergraduate of AAUA.
Although, report from the Nigerian Army stated that one of the suspects, identified as Lance Corporal Sunday had been arrested, no significant action against the assailants has been taken yet.
In light of this problem, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu issued an order to the army to transfer the case to the police for further investigation and ultimate prosecution of the offenders.
The reduction of sexual assaults is possible with collective efforts.
The government should work hand-in-glove with institutions, individuals and associations that are committed to preserving the human dignity.
The society has a major role to play in ensuring it provides a favourable environment which will enable victims of sexual assaults speak up and seek help without fear of harassment or stigmatisation.
In addition, prompt court actions against culprits must be put in place to discourage others from committing the crime.
Dorcas Abe,
Editorial Writer, ECHO MEDIA
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