By Kunle Adesida
Sexual assault (an act of any form directed at person’s sexuality using coercion) though is a universal occurrence, unfortunately became one of predominant concerns across Nigerian society especially in the year 2019. Nonetheless, the year 2020 is just far from safer.
In fact, child rape took an unfortunate surge on the books and crannies of Nigeria. Now, the menace is a swiftly moving train into culture; seemingly seeking a terminal in our values system. Already, this dimension of social crime unleashes nightmare on the girl child; weakens and overwhelms their confidence; and consequently shatters as many dreams. In the near future, while we sit in a perilous complacency, the gender based violence would psychologically reduce hundreds more girls to see themselves as mere sex objects and unimaginably worthless in their communities, schools, workplaces and religious settings.
Innumerable girl child and women were traumatised; and many are yet to overcome their traumas. While reported cases of sexual abuse documented by the Police was 717 in five months, only the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen declared a frighteningly higher record of 3,600 reported cases within same period, even as the country underwent lock down due to the ravaging covid-19 pandemic. Ondo State has has a share of the ignoble perpetuations, and without exemption to incest.
Sad to remember that recently, Odo-Oyinmo in Akoko North-East of Ondo State lost a girl, aged 11, to the menace of rape. For me and and all well meaning people, it is a collective loss. We pray that the bereaved find a lasting fortitude to bear the loss. And it is hoped that the offender would never go scot free with impunity.
It would be recalled that the Ondo State House of Assembly had since the incident declared a state of emergency on Gender Based Violence in the state. Nevertheless, all seem to be quiet as regard efforts at stemming the tide of the scourge. Ever since, it is expected that all media organisations in the state be mandated to launch an intense campaign in this regard.
Within August, 2020 alone, two life convictions got secured from law courts on rapists, while several prosecutions and investigations are still ongoing. Here, efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command and other relevant agencies deserve a commendation; even though a number of cases went unreported to the police.
Thankfully well, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is seemingly more worried than anyone else in the state. She is making effort at reducing in the state social assaults, particularly Child Sexual Molestation. Her women empowerment programmes and support for the girl child through “FOWOSO”, “BRECAN” and “BEMOR” remain to tilt encomium in her favour. And she is rising to the challenge anew.
Within the month of August, she twice convened meetings through the Ministry of Women Affairs to thoroughly deliberate on workable approaches for combating the insurgence of this condemnable assault against the girl child in the state.
Of course, proposals were obtained and some tangible resolutions reached during the last meeting with all relevant agencies. Interestingly, Establishment of Response Centres in each of the three senatorial districts, Employment and Training of personnel to take care of victims have been adopted. In complement, would be the launching of a Data base website and Complaint Toll Free Line by the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation. These strategies are apt indeed. However, they are all responsive approaches while preventive measures are rather crucial.
Importantly, we need to break into the causes and find useful approaches to curb or control these unfortunate occurrences. In this wise, make a mark, the First Lady should run an awareness campaign and sensitisation that is sustainable in approach. That is what should lead, intensely even. Already, we have a kind of societal setting where those the teenagers should not connect with now became their role models. Imbuing the public, particularly the teenagers with appropriate awareness and right frame of mind cannot, and must not be relegated or put behind in playing the major role, when it comes to nipping in the bud a social plague of this enormous concern, even now that nowhere is sanctuary for the girl child.
It will drastically reduce the spate of the crime and the gamut of court litigations. Also, security agents will be less stressed.
If we would offer the teenagers an ambience for a bright future, efforts should not be spared by government at all levels, other institutions of socialisation and individuals to consider massive awareness and sensitisation of the citizens. Her Excellency, Mrs Betty Akeredolu and all concerned government and non-governmental organisations in the state should do more, embrace preventive and rewarding approaches without which any desirable transformation would be difficult to track.
- Kunle Adesida is a Senior Reporter with The Radiance
