THE rising cases of rape in Nigeria have reached an alarming proportion with huge socio- economic costs on the country as a result of physical, mental and social impact on victims.According to a United Nations (UN) agency, UNWomen, timely justice 'remains the least form of redress while Nigerian laws are very clear in addressing rape as a criminal offence with the consequent correctional punishment.'Briefing journalists in Abuja on its activities in Nigeria, the agency's Country Representative, Grace Ongile, stressed that progressive society should not attempt to explain, condone or justify this despicable act. 'It is inexcusable, universally condemnable and in no way justifiable.'Although Ongile did not give the statistics of the latest findings on the matter, she stated that current figures are still being compiled, noting that recent national crime and safety survey conducted by CLEEN Foundation in collaboration withMacarthur Foundation revealed that Cross-River , Ebonyi and Bayelsa states rank first among the 36 states of the federation in terms of robbery, rape and murder.For instance, agency reports stated that in the last six months of 2008, police in Kano, the commercial hub of northern Nigeria, recorded 54 cases of child rape and made 60 related arrests.Based on those rape incidents in different parts of the country, Ongile said: 'We have followed, with dismay, the seemingly increasing spate of incidents of rape across the country. While there is incontrovertible evidence that some of these incidents happened and some are still being investigated by various actors, we are, at this point, compelled to condemn in what we view as an alarming trend that must be speedily checked... I, therefore, call on the president, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and all other duty-bearers, including state governors, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, to, as a matter of urgency, address this worrisome insurgence of the violation of women's rights to dignity, peace of mind and body. 'On communally assisted way out, the Country Rep said: 'It is for all the good people of Nigeria to also assist government and all its delegated authorities in bringing an end to these discrediting acts of inhumanity by reporting all suspected rapists and criminals to the appropriate authorities as this will ensure that culprits are judiciously brought to book and perception of criminal impunity becomes a thing of the past.
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