Opinion
Curbing Rape Cases In Nigeria
The upsurge in
incidences of rape in Nigeria is becoming very worrisome. A day hardly passes without news about rape cases from different parts of the country being carried out, even as many cases go unreported.
Rape used to be a matter that was hushed in whisper or rumours because it belonged to the realms of forbidden acts and was indeed uncommon. Even our folktales are full of stories of how the gods visited any man who violated a woman through rape with incurable diseases or sometimes death. Today, the story is different. Rapes cases are featuring as a recurring decimal in public and private places including even the ivory towers insulated from menacing towers. And the victims cut across all ages, old, young and even kids.
Two days ago, news had it that a nine-year-old girl was raped to death by a 14 year-old boy. According to the story, the deceased was raped over five times by the teenager, Onyi Adimabua, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The deceased’s father said his daughter opened up about the rape when she started having medical problems. “… one day, she came home and started complaining of pains around her vagina, stomach area. We rushed her to Ikorodu General Hospital. A doctor checked her and after conducting some tests on her, told us that my daughter had sustained medical complications due to forced sexual intercourse”, he said.
And of course, the poor girl could succumb to such abuse because the boy, a son of her school’s proprietor, threatened to kill her if she even told anyone.
Still last Tuesday, the police in Ogun State arrested an officer of the Ogun State Vigilance Service, Liasu Oyedele, over the alleged rape of a female National Diploma Banking and Finance Student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.
The 30-year old suspect was said to have accosted the student, who had gone for “group reading” in preparation for the institution’s second semester examination.
A particular horrible case was reported some months ago about the alleged raping of old women over the age of 70 years in Opi, Nsukka Local Government area of Enugu State, by young men. The shameful act went on for days, leading to a mass protest by women in the area.
To underscore the seriousness of the problem, prominent female indigenes of the state gathered hundreds of people at a prayer ground in Enugu to seek God’s mercy.
Of all rape cases, the most worrisome is the raping of innocent children by adults. Recently, news had it that a nine-year-old girl was raped by 25 years old man in Lagos State. The culprit, Adeniyi, who works within the area where the girl’s school is situated, allegedly lured her to his home after school hours and forcibly had carnal knowledge of her. Two days ago, a 25-year-old farmer in Jigawa State was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping an eight-year old girl. Research showed that between 2008 and now, the Police in Kano State have dealt with over 60 cases of child rape and over 60 related arrests.
The growing cases of rape can be considered as a consequence of parents’ neglect of their roles to their children. The 14-year-old Onyi, in the aforementioned story said he learnt about sex by watching pornographic films, even as his father lamented that, “I trained that boy in the way of the Lord and expected so much from him”. No doubt, many parents put in their best in training their children but a lot have abandoned their duties of impacting morality in their children. They are so busy with material pursuit that they don’t know the kind of company their children keep. Some even close their eyes and ears to whatever their children do or say.
A preacher once attributed the rampant incidents of the criminal act to the attitude of parents towards sex. According to him, “some parents no longer consider sex as sacred. Sex is supposed to be a secret act but some parents, particularly those living in very tight accommodation, make public show of the act even in the watchful eyes of their children.” He cautioned that parents should know the right time and place to discuss sex or engage in the act in order not to corrupt their children emphasising that children learn faster what they see than what you tell them.
Parents should also show more interest in the affairs of their children, know the company they keep, educate the girl-child on dangers of rape and places to go so that they are not caught up in the menace.
But even with the best sex education, much change cannot be achieved if our teenage and young women continue on their reigning dress culture. A situation where they put on cloths that expose essential parts of their bodies can be very dangerous. It takes men discipline to control themselves and resist the temptation of an evil urge. Proper, decent, responsible advocate if one must avoid the dangers of rape.
The menace could also be curtailed if children stop parading streets and communities in the name of selling pure water, oranges, minerals and other commodities.
As the preacher advised parents should occupy their children with sacred tactivities, the Bible and religious books. Some experts have blamed the rising cases of rape on lack of effective implementation of Nigerian laws against rape. Some say the entire evidential burden placed on victims make it difficult for them to pursue the part of justice, hence the law should be reviewed.
In a paper presented recently, the wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Olukemi Miniko said, the laws against the menace should not remain only in the statue book, but be made more efficient and effective as large number of Nigerians know little about government laws on rape.
Criticising the Nigerian government for what she called a lackluster response to rape cases, the Executive Director of the Woman Advocates Research and Documentation Center said “Nothing has been put into action. Our laws are still not clear. The woman who wants to report rape does not have the confidence in the judicial system in Nigeria. There is a lot of imputing on the issue of rape and sexual violence in Nigeria.” She emphasised the need for immediate steps to create laws and institutions that protect women.
The legislature should act to stem the ugly incident by reviewing the laws on rape to give more protection to victims.
Federal Government, State ministries and women groups should see the issue of rape as a challenge which they must face in order to restore the dignity of women in the land. They should take up these cases and offer all necessary assistance to the victim.
For the fight against rape to be won, parents, teachers, religious institutions, non governmental organizations, the media, governments at all levels and everybody must rise up in condemnation of the social epidemic and take positive action to curb the menace.
Calista Ezeaku
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.