Rape: Gombe records average of three cases daily
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe state commissioner of police Cp Shehu Maikudi, on Wednesday, said the state records average of three reported rape cases daily.
He stressed that the state overtime had experienced an upsurge of rape cases, adding that there is need for collaboration of major stakeholders.
The commissioner disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the state of crime in the state.
Maikudi said, “On average everyday we have cases of rape. Today is 6 of January we have 7 reported cases of rape this year that is not good enough there is need for us to do something because informed the critical stakeholders and the governor has taken time to address religious leaders; Christian Association of Nigeria, the Islamic Ulamaa’s. The same is applied to homosexuality.
“In the preceding year we recorded 250 cases of rape, all of which we arraigned the suspects in court and they are awaiting trial. This particular menace is what is disturbing the generality of the people because most of the victims are minors, they are children six years and below they are been exploited by unscrupulous elements who are adults. Their ages ranges from 34-60-70.”
The commissioner highlighted two factors as possible reasons the state has witnessed an upsurge.
“I can hazard a guess probably the desire to get rich quickly or other people operating under the influence of hard drugs which is becoming another issue to contend with. Most of these drugs are brought from other places to be distributed to other states,” Maikudi added.
Also speaking, commissioner for Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, Maji Dauda said urged rape victims to speak up.
He said, “The people being raped are either our mother’s, sister’s, they are not raping people from another planet. We must do everything humanly possible to nip it in the board.
“The issue of Child right act is before the House of Assembly, ministry of Justice. There was an occasion the governor promised that he will do everything possible so that the law will be accelerated, so that Gombe state can adopt it.”
