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WOMEN took to the streets of Nigeria’s north-western state of Borno on Sunday in protest against a sharp rise in the incidences of rape and gender-based violence.
According to officials, the situation has worsened since the emergency lockdown measures in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
In a briefing last week, the country’s Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamun reported that there had been 717 rapes recorded between January and May.
Demonstrations also took place in the capital Abuja. Women’s groups were joined by Minister of Women’s Affairs Pauline Tallen, who held a placard reading “red card to Nigerian rapists, pack and go.”
Others wore T-shirts with the message: “A rapist is a killer.”
The situation has deteriorated to a point where governors have demanded that the government declare a state of emergency over rape.
Protesters are also lamenting government inaction. Activists have launched a Twitter campaign calling for decisive action, with ministers and others posting photos of themselves with anti-rape messages.
