By Rasak Musbau
In recent times, the Nigerian media has reported the increasing frequency of rape cases across the country. The upsurge, especially of gang rapes and rapes of girls by miscreants, relatives and neighbours, should rightly become a source of concern to all. Though a global phenomenon, appalling side to our experience of its menace here has to do with impunity of the perpetrators, lackluster response of justice administrators and absence of institutional supportive system to help the victims.
In recent times, the Nigerian media has reported the increasing frequency of rape cases across the country. The upsurge, especially of gang rapes and rapes of girls by miscreants, relatives and neighbours, should rightly become a source of concern to all. Though a global phenomenon, appalling side to our experience of its menace here has to do with impunity of the perpetrators, lackluster response of justice administrators and absence of institutional supportive system to help the victims.
Perhaps more worrisome is the fact that large numbers of suspected
rapists roam freely on the streets after committing the heinous act. Equally
bothersome is that the act has now assumed a new dimension whereby victims are
sometimes gang raped in broad daylight with crowds hanging around as mute
spectators of a salacious drama while victims are groped, stripped and
assaulted. Another sad aspect is that victim is occasionally blamed while
little is done concerning our apparently weak law.
