Rights groups demand prosecution of Poly student’s rapist

Human rights organisations have urged the government to commence investigations into the alleged rape of an Ibarapa Polytechnic student in Eruwa, Oyo State, by a soldier attached to the Oyo State security outfit, Operation Burst.

PUNCH Metro had reported on September 9, the ordeal of the 21-year-old ND 2 student of Mass Communication (name withheld) who said the soldier raped her three times.

The President, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, described the act as a reflection of abuse of power by security agents. She urged the government to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrator to book.

She said, “It is sad. It is a terrible reminder of what security has become. That is the height of impunity. Soldiers that are supposed to be at the war front in the north are busy perpetrating such heinous act. There must be full investigation to ensure punishment for the perpetrator according to specifications of the law.”

The Coordinator, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria, Mr. Okechukwu Nwaguma, said rape was escalating due to the failure of authorities to sanction the perpetrators.

He said, “The frequency of cases of human rights abuse by military personnel is becoming alarming. What is even more worrying is the failure by authorities to bring those responsible to book. We have yet to come to terms with allegation of military operatives using excessive and disproportionate lethal force to murder peaceful protesters in Kaduna in July for which the authorities have done nothing.

“Now, a soldier has been accused of raping a female student in a glare of his colleagues and we heard of attempts by the military and state government authorities to shield the perpetrator from justice. Government should ensure that the official responsible for this reprehensible act is punished and the victim compensated adequately.”

The Executive Director, MEDIACON, Mrs. Olufemi Kayode, urged the victim to prosecute the culprit in a court of law with evidence.

“She should go to court whether the government is saying the allegation is baseless or not. Justice will emerge in court. Evidence is very important because the soldier may deny the crime,” she said.

The National coordinator of Community Education and Empowerment Network for Africa, Dr. Emmanuel Akpan, said Nigeria had a complex social situation that required urgent attention, adding that there was lack of protection for vulnerable people in the society.

“We condemn all forms of violence on our campuses and in the society as a whole. Every Nigerian child should be given social protection wherever they are. We are blessed with enough resources to do it, but our government has failed in the provision of social services.”

He added that rape was a social problem and urged the relevant authorities investigating the case to ensure justice was served.

“ Rape is a social problem that is barbaric in nature. When I read the report, I felt sorry for the victim. I also read that it is under investigation but we urge the relevant authority not to sweep the case under the carpet. There should be social protection for every Nigerian just like government in developed world do for their people.”