The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has decried the rising incidences of rape of minors and young girls across the country and advocated for sex education for children right from primary school level.
It lamented that those who are supposed to be protecting the survivors or victims of rape are themselves perpetrator of the heinous act.
The chairperson of FIDA in Kaduna state, Bukola Ajayi, in an interview identified increase in use of drugs as one of the factors responsible for rising cases of rape in the country.
“The use of drugs is on the increase even in secondary schools,” she said.
She also blamed the rise in the menace on silence as a result of failure on the part of parents, guardians and members of the public to report rape cases to the appropriate authority.
“There is also lack of confidence in the system that makes people feel that action is never taken even if they report; that’s a big problem that must be tackled,” she noted.
She therefore encouraged parents and members of the public to always report rape cases to the right authorities; saying “by this, offenders will be brought to book,” which she said will serve as a deterrent to others.
The legal practitioner further stressed the need for more sensitization on the dangers of drug abuse.
“Parents should keep an eye on their children and also be observant of any change of mood in them,” she advised.
