Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Oladayo Jonathan
Published on 2024-03-03 11:00:19
Asiya (real name withheld) was nine years old when she was raped by a 20-year-old man named Kamilu last year in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. Kamilu, who was a frequent visitor to Asiya’s parents’ house, took advantage of the little girl’s trust and familiarity with him to commit this heinous crime. Asiya bravely recounted the traumatic experience, detailing how Kamilu threatened her into silence after the incident.
Upon discovering what had happened to her daughter, Asiya’s mother immediately informed her husband and reported the incident to the community leaders and the police. Asiya was then taken to a hospital where tests revealed that she had contracted a sexually transmitted disease as a result of the rape. Despite efforts to seek justice for Asiya, the court ruling classified the offence as sexual assault rather than rape, resulting in a lenient sentence of three months imprisonment for Kamilu.
The prevalence of rape and other forms of sexual violence in Kano State and the wider Nigerian society remains a pressing issue, despite the signing of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act into law in 2015. Kano is the only Nigerian state yet to domesticate this law, exacerbating the challenges faced by victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the region. The lack of adequate legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms contributes to the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of such crimes.
The Child Rights Act (CRA), a federal law enacted in 2003 to protect the rights of children, outlines stringent penalties for perpetrators of rape. However, Kano is yet to domesticate the CRA, further underscoring the gaps in legal protection for victims, especially children. The penal code currently in use in northern states like Kano has limitations in addressing the complexities of rape cases, particularly concerning gender-neutral definitions and protections for victims.
The Director of Research, Planning and Statistics of the Kano State Ministry of Women, Children and Disabled Affairs highlighted the alarming rate of sexual violence cases in the state, with many incidents occurring within victims’ homes and communities. The stories of Asiya, Saratu, and other victims underscore the devastating impact of rape on individuals and their families, as well as the challenges in seeking justice and support in such cases.
Efforts to interview rape victims and their guardians in Kano State revealed harrowing accounts of abuse and trauma, with perpetrators often known to the victims or within their communities. The reluctance to report cases to the authorities due to fear of stigma and retribution poses additional barriers to addressing rape effectively. The lack of comprehensive support services and legal protections further compounds the vulnerability of victims, especially children like Khadija and Abubakar who continue to suffer in silence.
The need for a concerted response to combat rape and sexual violence in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole is urgent. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing awareness and education on the rights of victims, and providing accessible support services are essential steps towards addressing this pervasive issue. Only by empowering survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual violence can lasting change be achieved. Protection and justice for victims like Asiya, Saratu, Khadija, and Abubakar must be prioritized to prevent further harm and ensure a safer future for all.
Read the original article on Premium Times
