Hanan Buhari Decries Rate of Report Of Rape Cases

Hanan Buhari, Daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, has decried what she described as low reportage of rape, sexual and gender-based violence cases in the country.

She said this at the inauguration of the Hanan Buhari Foundation which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday evening.

The event had in attendance top government dignitaries, traditional rulers, among others.

Hana Buhari said that Rape in Nigeria had been in existence and tolerated for decades and it was time to speak out for the emancipation of women’s rights.

She added that the offence which had always been shrouded in secrecy due to ingrained patriarchal sex stereotypes, structural and systemic oppression women face, among others, must be stopped.

“Report revealed that the rape incidences for women and girls is on an increasing trend from 63 per cent in 2015 to 72.1 per cent in 2016 and 69.3 per cent in 2017.

“In spite of increase in activism, cases of rape are still grossly under reported”, she stated.

Miss Buhari further said “According to data from Nigeria’s National Anti-Trafficking Agency, only 32 cases were reported between 2019 and 2020 for fear of stigmatization.

“Undoubtedly, we need to rise up and break this culture of silence, especially now that more women are beginning to have courage to speak out about their victimization.

“Women and children’s right to live free from violence is dependent on the protection of their human rights and a strong chain of justice.

“In spite of acts such as Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015 and various states’ Violence Against Persons Prohibition Laws in Nigeria, which are all aimed at addressing issues of rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforcement of its laws is still sorely lacking in far too many cases.”

Also speaking, Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who commended the foundation for coming up with the initiative, added that it was important for victims of rape to speak out.

He also called on parents to train their girl-child to be very sensitive to some suspected acts by adults around them, stressing that they should be taught to speak out.

Also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen said that it was time to change the narrative and help victims of gender-based violence to get justice.