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Rape cases surge in Niger State as victims father, authorities call for justice

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Rape cases appear to be on the increase in Niger State, with young children of four years being defiled by those who should protect them.

In most cases, the perpetrators escape without being served justice, while most rape cases are not reported to the authorities.

According to reports, some of the few cases reported are often withdrawn due to fear of stigmatization, lack of funds to pursue them, among others.

In response to the surge in rape cases, advocates are urging strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, a Nigerian law designed to criminalize violence against individuals, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harmful traditional practices, and provides protection and remedies for victims in the country.

In an interview with a father from Kontagora, Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, his four-year-old daughter was defiled by several persons and dumped at a refuse site.

Narrating his ordeal, the father, who spoke anonymously, said the incident occurred in April 2025, when unknown persons sneaked into the family’s compound at night and carried the girl away while they were asleep.

According to the father, his little girl was raped by several men who damaged her organs and dumped her on a refuse dump site.

” As soon as we noticed she was missing, we started searching for her with the help of neighbors in the night for hours. Neighbors discovered my little baby lying helplessly and unable to move on a dump site after the 5 am Muslim prayers.

“When we checked her, we saw blood stains between her legs, and further examination revealed that she had been raped to the point her organs were out. She told us that she was carried away while sleeping by unknown persons to an unfinished building, and after raping, dumped her on a refuse site,” he stated.

The girl was immediately rushed to Kontagora General Hospital, where the management referred her to a hospital in Sokoto State for proper treatment.

With a heavy heart, the father conveyed his daughter to Sokoto through the support of the Kontagora General Hospital and was discharged after two weeks. She is still receiving treatment.

Mary Isah, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Niger State, expressed concern about the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state. “GBV is a great menace that needs to be addressed. It causes havoc, splits homes, removes peace from homes, and sends victims into depression,” she said.

The girl was immediately rushed to Kontagora General Hospital, where the management referred her to a hospital in Sokoto State for proper treatment.

With a heavy heart, the father conveyed his daughter to Sokoto through the support of the Kontagora General Hospital and was discharged after two weeks. She is still receiving treatment.

Mary Isah, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Niger State, expressed concern about the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state. “GBV is a great menace that needs to be addressed. It causes havoc, splits homes, removes peace from homes, and sends victims into depression,” she said.

 

According to Isah, GBV affects both males and females, but women and children are more vulnerable. “Out of all the cases reported, more than half are from females, and a small fraction are from males. Probably due to ego, males find it difficult to report,” she explained.

The director urged victims to report cases of GBV to ensure justice is served. “We want everyone to know that you must not die in silence. This is not the era of ‘I’m the man.’ You keep quiet, and the woman will deal with you silently, and then all of a sudden, the ultimate happens,” she said. She also called on relevant stakeholders to join in the fight against the menace and demand justice for victims.

Mrs Rachel Turakin, Director of Social Welfare Services at the Ministry, confirmed that there are many rape cases in the state, especially in Minna. “We are dealing with several rape cases, but we have few convictions so far. Since we started, we have gotten about five convicted cases, although very minimal,” she said.

According to Turakin, about 114 cases are ongoing in various courts, awaiting conviction. “We know eventually they will be convicted, especially in rape cases,” she added.

Confirming the case of the four-year-old from Kontagora, Turaki said, “According to the report, because of the heat, the family was sleeping outside, and some people forcefully picked her up and took her to an unknown place where they raped her, resulting in severe injuries to her organs.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed Shitu, assured that the state government is committed to protecting victims of GBV, with a law in place to punish offenders.

“We urge victims of not only rape but any kind of GBV to speak out to ensure justice is served and get support. Just like the parents of the four-year-old did, the State Government ensured she received treatment and will be returning to Sokoto for her second surgery,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary, added that the ministry is using its social area officers to sensitize communities on the need to speak out against GBV to ensure perpetrators are dealt with in the state to reduce it drastically.

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Edo State Government Clarifies Governor’s Remarks on Security Protocols

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The Edo State Government has issued a statement addressing misinterpretations surrounding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent remarks on security protocols for high-profile visitors.

According to the government, the Governor did not threaten former presidential candidate Peter Obi, but rather emphasized the importance of notifying and seeking security clearance before public engagements in the state.

Security Clearance: High-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, are expected to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before public engagements in Edo State.
 As Chief Security Officer, Governor Okpebholo is constitutionally responsible for safeguarding lives and property in the state.
The Governor’s position is informed by rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, including Catholic priests and Christian clerics, in Edo State.
 The government advises caution and consultation with security channels when making public donations to avoid exposing institutions and leaders to danger.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration is working to address insecurity and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all Nigerians.

Governor Okpebholo has been working to enhance security in Edo State, including suspending illegal vigilante groups and the Commander of the State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, following the killing of 16 hunters in Uromi.

The government has reiterated its commitment to justice and transparency in investigating such incidents.

The Edo State Government urges leaders to align with security protocols and realities, prioritizing the safety of all residents and visitors. By working together, the government aims to create a secure environment for everyone.

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Okpebholo’s remarks against Obi dangerous assault on democracy – CSOs

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Three civil society organisations have condemned the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over a viral video where he threatened Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

The groups, ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) described the Governor’s remarks as dangerous, undemocratic, and a clear threat to peace and political freedom.

In the video, Governor Okpebholo was heard telling his supporters that Mr. Obi should not enter Edo State without his permission.

“His security will never be guaranteed… Whatever happens to him, he will take it… I am the new sheriff in town,” Gov Okpebholo said while addressing party supporters during the defection of a federal lawmaker to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The organisations said such statements are unacceptable, especially coming from a sitting Governor whose duty is to protect all citizens, regardless of their political views.

“These are not offhand political jests. They constitute a direct threat to the life and liberty of a fellow citizen. More disturbingly, these remarks come from a sitting Governor whose primary constitutional responsibility is to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors within his state, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic origin, or belief.

“Such a public display of intolerance, authoritarian bravado, and politicisation of state power should deeply worry every Nigerian and every international stakeholder who invested in the survival of democratic governance in Nigeria.”

They warned that the Governor’s words could incite political violence and intimidate opposition voices ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

“Mr. Peter Obi, like every Nigerian, has the right to move freely, express his opinion, and associate with any political group. No Governor or politician has the right to stop him or any other citizen from exercising these rights.

“Saying ‘your security will not be guaranteed’ suggests that the Governor is using the state’s security forces for political purposes. This is a serious warning sign that the security agencies are no longer neutral and it also goes against Nigeria’s commitment to protect people’s rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the group said in a statement jointly signed.

The civil society organisations also raised concern that this is not the first time Mr. Obi has faced threats while visiting a state.

They recalled a similar incident in Benue State in April 2025.

They called on Governor Okpebholo to publicly withdraw his statement and apologise.

“We want the Governor to take back his words and assure Nigerians that everyone, regardless of political party, is safe in Edo,” they said.

They also called on the Nigeria Police and the State Security Service to investigate the threat and protect political figures facing intimidation.

The group’s further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take note of the development and include it in its election risk assessments for Edo.

Finally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was asked to launch an investigation into the matter.

“Nigeria’s democracy is imperfect, but threats like this bring us closer to its total derailment. Governor Okpebholo’s statements are not mere political rhetoric; they represent a clear and present danger to democratic peace, political pluralism, and the rule of law in Nigeria. We remind the Governor and all public officeholders that power is held in trust, not as an entitlement, and that democratic societies thrive on competition, not coercion,” the groups concluded.

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Constitutional review: Nigeria needs inclusive, restructured economy – Otti

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called for a practical and people-focused approach to constitutional reforms in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, economic restructuring to achieve national unity.

Speaking at the South East zonal public hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution on Saturday, Governor Otti stressed that the Nigerian constitution must evolve with the dynamic aspirations of the citizens.

Represented by his Deputy, Ikechuckwu Emetu, Governor Otti highlighted the importance of inclusivity in governance, citing Abia State’s approach to resource allocation and decision-making as a model.

He noted that the legitimacy of a constitution in a pluralistic society like Nigeria depends on the contributions of all ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.
and expressed reservations about creating of new States, citing enormous cost implications and potential expansion of bureaucracy.

Speaking further, the Abia Governor supported the creation of State Police, but emphasized the need for clear standards for leadership, coordination, recruitment, accountability, and human rights protection when created.

He cautioned on full local government autonomy, warning of increased financial and bureaucratic burdens and
advocated for constitutional recognition of free and compulsory basic education, emphasizing the need for increased financing and quality delivery.

Governor Otti also cited Abia State’s recent electricity reforms as a case study in the positive impact of constitutional changes. .

Following amendments that allowed sub- national entities to participate in the electricity sector, he said Abia established the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) and received regulatory oversight from the national commission (NERC) which he said has empowered Abia to take control of its energy future.

In his speech, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described the hearings as “a national conversation” that must produce a constitution that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.

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