In light of the recent armed robbery attack, and alleged raping of some of the 42 students of the Holy Rosary College, of Enugu state, around the Oke-Odo end of Sagamu-Benin Expressway during the Easter, it again underscores the disturbing recurring crimes prevalent in our society.
The issue of rape in Nigeria has long been a problematic one. Unfortunately for many years, it has been a trend which has continued unabated due to the ineffectual laws to hand out tougher and harsher prison sentences to perpetrators of such crimes in our society.
Little wonder that ongoing sexual abuse continues to be rampant in homes, schools and in the streets (the victims as young as 9 years old and the vile act usually committed by people the victims know and trust), many of which are unreported to the police giving the modicum amount of seriousness the case will receive.
On the surface, the sporadic events highlighting the issue of rape particularly when many girls are involved, brings to the fore a more deeper understanding of the sickening act.
With the way I view it, the police are powerless to stop the wave of attacks. Even the government, state or Federal seem reluctant to wage a relentless war on rapists, moreso when a « big man » with a big reputation is the perpetrator.
Hence, if we expect our legislators in the Nigerian National Assembly to pass laws to combat this crime, we will be bitterly disappointed to find out that it will amount to nothing.
Evidently, in Nigeria, rape is often not adjudged as a serious crime that warrants immediate judicial intervention (if any) and the eventual incarceration of the perpetrator of the crime. The case is simply swept under the carpet. No forensics done on the victim or the alledged perpetrator.
Even if the testimony of the victim is admitted, it is unlikely to see the light of day. The victim may even end up been chided for dressing too loosely to have aroused the sexual interest of the perpetrator.
Case closed, never to be reopened again regardless of any new evidence.
Be that as it may, rape, when it happens, is not necessarily about men exercising power over their powerless female victims. Sometimes it is beyond that, and altogether something that defies logic and human comprehension.
Since that is the case, it is plausible to state that it is a demonic activity and an uncontrollable force that has taken over the whole being of the perpetrator of the crime.
Haven’t we heard countless number of cases of incest, between father and daughter – mostly for ritualistic purposes to amass wealth? Undoubtedly it is a repulsive act that, even the daughter who is the victim, may not be aware of, having been subjected to incantations which would rob her memory of the sexual act.
The act may or may not be privy to
the wife of the perpetrator. In all, the victim may never have the opportunity to marry, as potential male suitors would be put off for one reason or the another, with the girl unable to figure out the reason behind such rejections
Notwithstanding her present state of mind, whether conscious or unconscious, the psychological trauma will be heavily weighted and engraved on the minds of the affected victims for life. Only a sustained dose of many years of counseling for the victims, is ever likely to be a source of treatment to overcome or alleviate such deep rooted traumas.
In many rape cases, such as the documented rape story, and orgy killings,
(Remember the 50 hapless people that were forced to lie down on the floor at gun point, and trampled upon by a luxurious bus on the Benin-Ore some years back?)
such occurrences are unquestionably necessitated by the need to fuel and re-fuel the demonic sacrifices for which the stupendous wealth of the so called « big men » in our society is derived from.
And yes, it is unmistakably true that this assertion unfortunately includes
some of the lawmakers you would expect to effect a real change in our society by enacting and enforcing laws that protects the human rights – particularly those of women and children – life, property, etc.
Undeniably, we live in a wicked world, where love, respect and kindless is fast becoming a rare commodity. It is at its lowest ebb. In fact, it is taking society back to the barbarian dark ages where the sanctity of live means nothing to anyone anymore.
Regardless, this is not to suggest that we should give up on the fight against societal ills. We simply need to recognize that majority of societal ills are perpetrated by sick individuals who have mortgaged their souls to the devil. Making a concerted effort to engage these people is akin to using a feather to kill a poisonous reptile.
No doubt, activism through NGO’s and the media is one way to go about it. This would merely bring it to the limelight. In the main, effective laws to stem the incessant attacks, as well as prosecute sexual offenders is another major step in the right direction that needs to be taken.
However, effective prayers to arrest the lamentable trend of crimes in our society still holds the key. We delude ourselves if we think otherwise.
Tunde Adeleye
Say it with Naboulove... 