A foundation which focuses on cases of r*pe, child abuse and other issues related to women affairs has given a summary of the r*pe cases in the year 2016.
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Sa’adat Bibire, the Founder, Saab Foundation, has said that no fewer than 1,000 women were r*ped in Kwara State in 2016.
Bibire quoted the state Ministry of Women Affairs as having uncovered and confirmed the 1,000 r*pe cases, adding that the crime had become too high in the state.
She lamented the harmful effects of r*pe, child abuse, molestation, female genital mutilation and domestic violence. Speaking during the foundation’s campaign against rape and other gender-based violence in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, the founder said the campaign was tagged, ‘Walkathon Against R*pe.’
Members and supporters of the foundation marched around Ilorin with placards to raise awareness on crimes against women like rape and domestic violence.
Her words: “R*pe could be spiritual or psychological. R*pists are either animals or devils. R*pe victims should speak up.”
They should stop blaming or hating themselves throughout their lives and they should not end up committing suicide. It is not their fault.
“We are creating awareness for gender-based violence. We are working to make people know that these things are real. People are not just cooking up stories on the internet.
She called on the Federal Government, the national and state assemblies to ensure that laws against r*pe and other gender violence were amended to enhance conviction and punishment of perpetrators.
She appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha; wife of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Dolapo, and the wives of the 36 governors; as well other prominent leaders and individuals to step up campaigns and efforts against rape and other domestic violence.
Bibire said, “I am calling on the National Assembly and the 36 houses of assembly to makelaws against rape and other domestic violence stricter and more enforceable.
They need to do something. They are representing us and they need to stand for us. It could be their sisters, friends and mothers.
“There is a lot government can do. They can start by reviewing the laws. There are laws against rape but they are rigid. They are actually favouring the r*pists, because you have a law saying that there has to be a witness during the penetration. How is that possible?
“A r*pist is smart enough to make sure that nobody will be there when he is going to do the evil act.
“So, how can you have somebody that will witness the penetration? That is favouring the r*pists. They need to amend the laws to favour the unfortunate victims.”