TYPICAL NIGERIANS WONT READ THIS!

I didn’t know how to start today’s write up. I’ve got too many words on my mind. ’Too many sentences to type. I was discussing with a friend few minutes ago when I got a call that someone I know was robbed last night in her home of all her valuables, beaten and almost raped in the presence of her son. Where are we going in this country? Are things getting better or getting worse? For every one step forward we take as a nation, we also take 7 steps backward. Humm…. today, my focus is not on rape or sexual abuse but on the most common word on the lips of every Nigerian today – “E.B.O.L.A”

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE (EVD) IN NIGERIA

As at today (Thursday, August 14, 2014), currently there are 198 cases of persons living with Ebola in Nigeria (both suspected & confirmed cases). In West Africa, 1,069 persons have died out of 1,975 people. Liberia has been the most hit with 71 new cases this week and 32 deaths. 56 deaths and 128 cases have been reported in this same period across all four West African countries affected by the virus.

1. Late Patrick Sawyer:

It’s unfortunate the way majority of Nigerian have chosen to blame Patrick Sawyer for our own woes and failures as a nation. The President called him a “crazy man”. Some called the late Patrick Sawyer a “terrorist” at a presidential function yesterday. Ignorant Nigerians send curses to Sawyer’s grave from every corner (as if that would make a difference). Am not saying  Sawyer was right, neither will I say he was wrong, But we need to learn to look for ways forward, instead of crying over spilt milk in Nigeria. Sawyer’s widow talked about how Patrick knew he had the virus and was hoping to get better treatment in Nigeria because of the poor healthcare system in Liberia (lol… Wrong address). Sawyer should have known better that the healthcare system in Nigeria is nothing to write home about.

2. The Banker:

Someone very close to me works for a leading Bank here in Nigeria. Two days ago she gave me an inspiration for this write up. There was a foreign customer who walked into the bank to withdraw some funds sent to him via western union. This foreigner was therefore asked to provide his international passport for sighting before he could get the money. This was when the Banker discovered that his International passport was not stamped (which means he entered the country illegally), therefore she told him there was no way she could give the funds to him because he was an illegal immigrant. The customer confided in this Bank worker. He said he was from one of the West African countries currently plagued with Ebola. He came into Nigeria by road one week ago and was residing in a hotel. The money was sent from his country by his relative because he needed to settle his hotel bills. Never the less, she still could not release the funds to him because it is against the bank’s policy.

My point: How was this man able get pass the Nigerian boarders illegally last week? Was he tested for Ebola? How many illegal immigrants entering into Nigeria by road are currently in the country? Who will stop them- Is it the poorly paid Nigerian Border patrol workers who take cash bribes from desperate immigrants? At a time like this, when every other country has closed its boarders OR run Ebola tests on whoever is entering the country, Nigeria is yet to do same. Instead Nigerians and President Jonathan sit there and choose to blame the late Patrick Sawyer.  Was it Patrick Sawyer who brought this man in too? What is the responsibility of our government? Aren’t we asleep? Ponder on these questions for a minute.

3. Telecomms: Despite the amount of money telecommunication giants make from Nigerians on a daily basis, one will expect that part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) at a time like this will be to send messages to subscribers, improving awareness or correcting fake notions. Instead this is what we get: “To know more about Ebola, send a message to 3000. All messages will be charged N50”. Ebola has now become an avenue to make money for some Telecomms. company. Is this Patrick Sawyer’s fault too? What is the responsibility of our government when telecoms can seize any means to exploit Nigerians at any given opportunity? Aren’t we deceiving ourselves in this country?

4. Healthcare System/ workers: Few days ago, there was the case of a man travelling for medical treatment via Muritala Mohammed Airport, lagos. Suddenly he was in pains, started vomiting, screamed for a while, fell and died. While all these happened, people took to their heels for the fear that the man had Ebola virus in his system. No one wanted to help him. There were no health workers on ground at the airport to test this man for Ebola. It was later discovered after his death, that he was Ebola negative and had a different medical condition.

My Point: Currently there are only 3 laboratory test centres for Ebola in Nigeria (a country with over 150 million people). These centres are:  LUTH, Redeemers University, Ogun state and Abuja. How difficult can it be for the Nigerian government to make mobile laboratories and test kits for Ebola available nationwide? How difficult is it for the government of Nigeria to provide trained healthcare workers and designate them in every airport; at every Nigerian boarder and public facilities? Trained personnel who would not run away at the sight of anyone with a fever. Ohhh, I just remembered – DOCTORS HAVE BEEN ON STRIKE SINCE JULY 1^ST, 2014 and the President is less concerned even at a time like this. Should we blame Patrick Sawyer for our government’s negligence? Is this Patrick Sawyer’s fault too?

5. Runaway Nurse: One nurse, who was quarantined for Ebola in Lagos, is said to have ran away from the center to Enugu State. Because of her action, currently, 20 people in Enugu state who had direct contact with her are said to be quarantined presently. Is this woman a trained nurse at all? My people, Please, was it Patrick Sawyer who is long dead, that made this nurse run away? Why weren’t there security personnel on ground at the quarantine Centre in Lagos?  What is the responsibility of our government? Even her husband and relatives knew she ran away but stupidly took her in. As good citizens, were they supposed to allow her? Yet all fingers point to Patrick Sawyer even in death.

6. Social Media Jokes: Ebola has now become a topic for jokes by comedians and irresponsible Nigerians who spend time to draft and send silly broadcasts via blackberry, facebook, twitter, etc. Ebola is not a funny matter in any way. This virus is killing our brothers and sisters here and in neighboring countries within 2- 21 days of manifest, yet we joke about it? If one of your relatives were infected with Ebola, will u find it funny? (Save the “God forbid” for the birds). Should we blame Patrick sawyer for the stupid broadcasts on social media as well? Instead of spending time to draft precautionary measures, we spend time to make silly jokes about Ebola or Liberia? Is the stupidity of Nigerian youths also Patrick Sawyer’s fault?

            I know some of you may say “After all, Patrick Sawyer was the genesis of this virus in Nigeria”. But I put it to you that Patrick Sawyer IS NOT. Either by hook or by crook, this virus was definitely going to enter Nigeria because we lack many basic amenities and our government is irresponsible. Patrick Sawyer was just unfortunate because he is the prominent person we all know. Currently, there are many immigrants entering Nigeria daily by road or other means with this virus whom we do not know their names. These people are also here for a cure from Nigerian Pastors who claim to have the cure for every disease because of our foolishness. Christianity is not stupidity, LETS NOT DECIEVE OURSELVES!

 I am glad that Pastor TB Joshua has publicly announced that all foreigners who like to come to his church for healing should stay in their country till further notice. That is a step forward in the right direction.

Dear Nigerians, face your battles responsibly. Blame yourselves. Blame the people you elected into government. Lastly, strategize ways forward instead of celebrated eye service and silly jokes about Ebola.

 

R.I.P Patrick Sawyer!

Edna Wey

19yr-old boy rapes nursing mother in Edo State

The Police in Edo State has arrested 19-year old Peter Braimoh who allegedly raped a 24 year-old nursing mother at Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Council of Edo State. The suspect was said to have gained entrance into the victim’s residence through the window at about 4am, knowing that the husband was not around.  On gaining entrance into the house, he ordered the woman to undress and allow him have sex with her or her little baby will be shot dead. while the victim was pleading with the suspect to take whatever valuable in the room and leave her alone, the suspect was said to have gone for the little baby and turned him upside down, forcing the mother to her kneels as she begged the suspect to spare the life of the baby.

Following the persistent threat, the nursing mother agreed to the suspect’s advances and she was raped by the suspect. However, after the incident the suspect escaped but the matter was reported to the police Division in Agenebode. The police swung into action and the suspect was trailed to an undisclosed location where he was arrested. The Police in Agenebode transferred the case to the State Police headquarters in Benin City last Sunday.

The suspect who spoke to newsmen at the state Police Command attributed his action to the handiwork of the devil and appealed for mercy from the government. He said, “ the devil pushed me to go and make love to her because I have been seeing her. I don’t know when and how it happened, I am only appealing that they should forgive me I will not try such thing again in my life”.

However, the victim who is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, appealed to the police to investigate the matter and prosecute the suspect. The Edo state Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo assured tour team that the matter would be charged to court after investigation.

VANGUARD 09/08/14

15 men gang rape 16-yr-old girl in Rivers State

The Nigerian Police have arrested members of a 15-man gang that allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in Gbuga area of Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The state Police Commissioner, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, told newsmen, yesterday, at the Police headquarters in Port Harcourt that the girl allegedly attended a party organised in the area, adding that she took a glass of strong drink offered her by one of the rapists which made her pass out before she was allegedly raped by 15 men. He said: “The victim reported that she attended a party at Ogbuga Street in Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt organised by one Tina. While at the party, she was given a glass of strong drink by Tambari Dumlesi. That was the last memory she had before she was raped by 15 men. She woke up to find herself in torn boxers and with swollen privates.

“The victim has since been taken to the Police clinic for check up and treatment while three suspects have been apprehended. Investigation is still on.”

PUNCH - 27/06/14

 

My wife infected me with HIV – Killer husband

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Phillip Katongu, for allegedly stabbing his wife to death. Katongu, who hails from Wamba, Nasarawa State, was apprehended by operatives of the Department of Criminal Investigations, Yaba, Lagos.The police said the victim, Justina, was stabbed to death in a street at Oniru Estate, Maroko, Lagos, where she and her husband were living.

Our correspondent learnt that Justina was stabbed in about three places before she died. Also, the knife used for the murder had been recovered by the police.

 

Justina, who hailed from Kauro, Kaduna State, did not have any child for the suspect before her death.It was also learnt that Katongu, who worked as a construction worker on the Victoria Island, had a wife outside the marriage in Nasarawa State before marrying the deceased. However, after having allegedly killing the wife, Katongu was said to have also attempted to commit suicide before the neighbours forced the door open and rushed him to a nearby hospital where he was revived.

Forty-five-year-old Katongu, told policemen that he killed his wife because she infected him with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, among other misdeeds.

 

He said, “I married Justina, my second wife in December 2010. I later learnt that she had given birth to two girls for a man. The girls died of AIDS. “However, when we first met, she did not tell me all these. I explained to her that I have a wife with children and I wanted to marry her too. Before marriage, I told her we should go to hospital to conduct HIV test, but she refused and said that she was HIV negative. So we started sleeping together.” Katongu added that without his knowledge, his wife had been going to Abuja for medical treatment every three months for HIV, until March 2013 when she took him along. He said it was at the hospital that she disclosed her HIV status to him.

 

He said, “I was angry and told the doctor who equally blamed her for not disclosing it to me. The doctor then tested me, and I was positive. We came back to Lagos and continued with the relationship because I loved her. But suddenly, she told me she wanted to pack out from my house that she was no longer interested in marrying me having had another person in Abuja. In fact, the man usually called her on phone while we were together. “I told her that with her status, she should not go and be infecting people with the virus. And that I will kill her and kill myself. We started fighting and I stabbed her. It was in the early hours. I stabbed her three times with a knife. She shouted and people were knocking at our door.

 

After she died, I stabbed myself, and the people broke the door open. I woke up to find myself in a hospital. I feel very bad that I killed my wife. I loved her very much.”

 

-  Today's PUNCH

Ebola prevention: Myth and truth

The Ebola outbreak in Guinea and its spread to other areas of West Africa, including Nigeria has caused global alarm. According to the Centre for Disease Control, since the detection of Ebola in March, the number of suspected and confirmed cases attributed to Ebola in the West African countries, such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria stands at 1,711.

 

Meanwhile, a Saudi man who tested for the disease has died in Jeddah after returning from Sierra Leone on Sunday. If there were a linkage of the Saudi man’s death to the Ebola virus, it would be the first fatality outside the West African countries. As one of the world’s most infectious and deadly diseases, with no cure, the level of fear, surrounding Ebola is to an extent expected. However, much of the fear is rooted in misunderstandings. Dispelling this is perhaps the biggest challenge in tackling Ebola and is critical to furthering our knowledge about the disease and efforts to control it.

 

Here is the myth versus the truth about some of the most common misconceptions about Ebola virus:

 

Myth: Ebola virus is airborne, waterborne or spreads through casual contact.

Truth: Ebola virus spreads when the bodily fluids of an infected person meet the mucous membranes of a non-infected person. That means Ebola virus in fluids, such as saliva, blood, sweat or urine has to be exposed to your eyes, mouth, nostrils, ears, genital area or an open wound in order to infect you.

In other words, it takes a lot of contact, not just casual contact, to become infected with the virus. This is the reason why many of the victims of the disease in West Africa are health care workers or family members caring for a sick relative. For example, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, during a news conference in Abuja, revealed that a nurse, who was one of the medical personnel that attended to the late Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, died of the disease. He also confirmed that five other medical practitioners, who participated in the treatment of Sawyer, were infected with the virus.

 

Myth: This is the first major outbreak of Ebola.

Truth: This is the largest outbreak of Ebola in history, but it is not the first. The virus was first diagnosed in humans in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it infected 318 people and had an 88%  fatality rate. Since then, various strains of the disease have popped up around the African continent, infecting as many as 425 people in 2000, and most recently, 57 people in 2012, according to World Health Organisation, as of August 4, 2014, the most recent count available, Ebola virus in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria since the virus emerged again this year.

 

Myth: Ebola can be treated with antibiotics, bathing with salt, chewing large quantity of bitter kola, onions, or drinking condensed milk.

Truth: Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections. At present, there is neither a cure nor a vaccine for the Ebola virus. Instead, there is an experimental serum called ZMapp, which contains antibodies designed to help block the virus. Before the 2014 Ebola outbreak, it was only tested on monkeys and has not been approved for human use.

 

Myth: Ebola liquefies your organs, which causes bleeding from the orifices.

Truth:Ebola symptoms can include bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. However, the body’s organs are not liquefied. Once the Ebola virus makes its way into the body, it gets in the body’s cells and replicates itself. Then it produces a protein that is called ebolavirus glycoprotein, and attaches to the cells on the inside of the blood vessels. This increases permeability of the blood vessels, leading to blood “leaking out” of the vessels. Even people who do not show hemorrhagic symptoms will experience this leaking of blood from the vessels. The continuous loss of blood will eventually lead to shock and ultimately death.

 

To reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community, close contact with infected patients, particularly with their bodily fluids need to be avoided. Also, do not touch sick people who show symptoms of Ebola, such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches and sometimes heavy bleeding. Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients. The patient should be rushed to the necessary medical Centre immediately. Do not touch the dead bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients. Wash your hands with water and soap regularly. Make use of hand sanitisers after coming in contact with objects for use in public places. Communities with any suspected case of Ebola should inform the relevant authorities. There should be prompt and safe burial of people who have died of Ebola.

 

In conclusion, reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats, monkeys, apes, can be achieved by thorough cooking of animal products, such as blood and meat, to proper heat and sterilising procedures. At this time, the consumption of raw meat should be discouraged. Animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing.

 

-

Olufemi Oboye

Once again I ask, who is fooling who? @ #BRING BACK OUR GIRLS

Is it the Nigerian Government?  The Army?  The Governor of Borno state? The First lady of Nigeria? Or we the people ourselves? The last time I asked these questions, a friend of mine from high school (who ran to reside in Canada and has a myopic sense of view), asked me- “Babe, who paid you for this write up”. 

Now that we all agree the girls were abducted, all we hear is talk! Talk! Talk! Due to the ineptitude of our government, now there are rumors of negotiations with Boko haram. Some say Negotiate because the girls are in pains, others say don’t negotiate because things will get worse and Boko haram will go scot free. Na wah oh…

The moment a nation decides to negotiate with terrorist, it means we have given in and accepted that these few terrorist are stronger than the nation as a whole and therefore we submit to their terms. Should this be the case? Should these people who have killed innocent people for no reason, have the guts to negotiate now? Did u watch the video of the little girl who they buried in the ground and stoned her head to death? Sincerely, I must commend the fact that this Boko haram sect have been one step ahead of this nation called Nigeria, at every turn .For the Nigerian military to fear them this much means they are stronger and smarter.

My heart bleeds for the parents of the abducted girls. I can never imagine their pains. Since the girls were abduction on April 14, 2014, it has become a jamboree and a means for many to become famous or remain relevant. Every TOM, DICK & HARRY has decided to take to social media and shout- “#Bring Back our Girls”. Celebrities have turned it into publicity fair to make a name for themselves (“ahhh, let me talk too oh, so my fans will not say am not concerned about the Chibok girls”).  Even international stars, who don’t give a damn about Nigeria, nor do they even plan to set foot on our soil, are all carrying cards & Nigerians foolishly hail them. On almost every facebook, twitter and Blackberry, I see, #Bring Back our girls. Yet nothing has changed. Boko haram members sit in their camp, laughing at the stupidity of the majority.

When we heard International forces were coming to intervene, we were glad and it was a sign of relief. It has been several weeks now and nothing major has changed. The girls are still there. Can we blame them? They say Nigerian soldiers are reluctant to fight. What did U.S.A expect before? When even within the Nigerian army, loyalty is divided.

1.       Where is the NLC? Is this not enough reason for a nationwide strike? No its not. Because we are only interested in our pockets when there is a fuel crisis. The lives of these innocent girls are not crisis enough.

2.       I heard the last speech of the 1^st lady. She says she will match to Borno by Sunday to demand for the release of the girls from the Governor of Borno state. Before matching to Chibok, shouldn’t she match to her matrimonial bedroom first to demand answers from her husband? Is he entirely innocent in all of these crises? Who is fooling who? Everybody just dey talk –talk rubbish shaaaaa

3.       Where is the Chibok principal? Suddenly she was not in the school on the day of the abduction? That school was a girl’s only school, how come boys also wrote WAEC exams in a boarding school meant for only girls? W.A.E.C requested for the girls to be moved and write the exams in the state capital for security reasons but the Principal refused and insisted they write the exams in Chibok because they has their own security. Where are the so called security personnel’s of the school now? Where is this principal now? Who is fooling who?

 

 

My View:

-          The whole #Bring Back our girls thing has become a jamboree. Top shot Nigerians are the sponsors of the Boko haram Insurgents and they will frustrate all help from the International community either directly or indirectly until they are forced to retreat. U.S.A, am sorry, but you can’t cry more than the bereaved.

 

-          Celebrities, Government officials, politicians, NGOs and individuals, pealse you can all continue with your publicity stunts all in the name of #Bring Back Our Girls. It gives us something to read in the news.

 

-           Nigerians love eye service, we pity the girls and their families but no one is ready to risk his life for the life of another, not even the abducted girls (That’s the sad but simple truth). It’s in developed countries you see people willing to die for their country, not in developing countries (we never reach that level).

                                                    

-          NLC and Nigerians do not see the need for a nationwide strike because the abduction does not affect our personal finances (for now). If NLC as a body does not stand up, Nigerians are not sensible enough to rise up. U.S.A, Britain and co, once again I tell you- “you can’t cry more than the bereaved”. Businesses are not ready for a nationwide strike for the fear of losing money.  The last nationwide strike crippled so many homes when they ran out of food and money, So for now we are not ready. We are only willing to Shout “#Bring back our girls” out of eye service.

 

Until Nigerians are ready to put selfish interest & personal goals aside, nothing will change in this country. For now, it’s every man for himself.

 

“To your tent oh Isreal”….  Nigerians, stop deceiving yourselves. We pity those girls and their parents (YES), BUT no one truly gives a damn anymore at this point…..

Injustice - How Police man Forced Victim of gang rape to free ‘Rapists’

The Agbado-Oja community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State is just a sleepwalking distance away from the ever-bustling Ishaga area of Lagos. Despite its proximity to the “Centre of Excellence”, the community typifies an eloquent statement in rustic retrogression — a place where poverty walks on all fours, clothed in the tattered attire of naked, running children, rundown ancient buildings and filth-filled streets. But poverty is not the only thing that reigns unfettered here. The diabolic mixture of sexual abuse and ignorance appears to be equally holding sway.

Hawawu (full name withheld), the 16 year-old daughter of a struggling bricklayer and an apprentice tailor, recently became the latest victim of the rape virus currently running wild in the community. But in addition, there was the shocking, seeming police complicity in the brutal crime.

As the story goes, on the evening of March 30, Hawawu received a call from her male friend, Adeleke, for a meeting in his house. The previous day, Adeleke, a young man for whom Hawawu reportedly had a soft spot, had arrived in the tailoring shop opposite her house where she resumed apprenticeship two years ago, and a year after she dropped out of Primary Three at the nearby AC Community Primary School. Adeleke, in the company of two other boys, reportedly invited her to an event holding in his house. After the repeated call on Sunday evening, she left for his house. On getting there, Hawawu was said to be initially reluctant entering. Shortly after, Adeleke and three of his friends dragged her into his room after which four of them allegedly took turns raping her.

Later that night, they were said to have dragged the now half-conscious girl writhing in pains all the way down the staircases in the storey building then dumped her in front of her ramshackle house on 4, Isanmi Street in the Adubo-Agopani area of Agbado-Oja.

Her father, Yinusa Olarenwaju, 43, was alerted by neighbours and he took her into the derelict, one room, face-me-I-face-you apartment, a sort of a boys quarter arrangement left to him by his father. It is this room with the brownish and wrinkled roofs falling off, and where he had shared with the victim and her younger sister, Amina, 13, since their mother, Tawa, left him about a decade ago, that he took his dying daughter into. It was 11pm and, as usual, Mr. Olarenwaju was down and out and with no transport easily in site, he tried ‘managing’ the traumatized girl till the next day.

On Monday morning, the weeping Mr. Olarenwaju headed for the palace of the Baale (local chief), Sunday Oyeogun, to report the matter. “After Hawawu’s father reported, I immediately summoned the parents of the accused boys,” Mr. Oyeogun told this reporter recently.

But rather than look out for the victim to extend to her the much needed medical care, they allegedly ‘gathered’ N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) and brought to the Baale to ‘kill’ the case. According to him, he refused and directed that the girl be treated as a matter of urgency before any other discussion. He claimed, he advised the victim’s father to report the case at the Divisional Police Headquarters in the area. Thereafter, a certain Alaba, a police officer attached to the Juvenile, Women and Children’s Unit, was assigned the case as the Investigating Police Officer (IPO).

That was where the case took a dangerous turn.

“Alaba ensured that the girl was taken to the Sarabis Medical Centre in the Odo-Oba area of the community, and also got the boys arrested. But shortly after, he called Mr. Olarenwaju and asked him to withdraw the case,” said a source in the community familiar with the case. He requested not to be named for fear of being harassed by the police.

When Mr. Olarenwaju protested the idea of what seemed a miscarriage of justice, Alaba slapped him and handcuffed him, ‘rough-handling’ him at the police station. The poor man thereafter kept mute and offered no more resistance.

Shortly after Hawawu was discharged from the hospital, one evening in the first week of April, Alaba appeared at the front of Hawawu’s house, brandishing a paper. He commanded her out of the apartment, thrust a paper in front of her and asked her to sign it. The implication, he explained, was that she had withdrawn the case and would forever keep sealed lips over it.

By Nigerian and international laws, anyone under the age of 18 is considered not qualified to sign undertakings or agreements. Yet, whatever hesitance Hawawu hitherto nurtured must have simply evaporated with Alaba’s intimidating presence and the reality of the brutality he had meted out to her father, Mr. Olarenwaju just days before. It was possible that Hawawu, the primary three drop-out, with an eye for fashion designing, had no idea what was on the paper. Nevertheless she capitulated and scribbled an inelegant acceptance to Alaba’s white paper.

Alaba then marched triumphantly back to the police station and freed the ‘adventurous boys’ unconditionally. They were never tried. The victim and her father had been panel-beaten into frightened silence.

Meanwhile, in a bid to hide the stigmatized girl from prying eyes and wagging tongues in the community, and the fear of harassment from the boys’ families (who had allegedly threatened her bricklayer father), Hawawu fled her home, leaving her father, sister and her dream of one day becoming a ‘Madam’.

Mrs. Sauban (she declined to provide her first name), Hawawu’s ‘Madam’ in whose shop she was learning tailoring, described her as ‘a gentle girl’, and said she knew nothing more about the case. At the Sarabis Medical Centre where Hawawu was treated, the doctor, Femi Amodu, would also not offer insights into the nature of the victim’s injuries for “patient’s confidentiality and ethical reasons”. It thus remained unclear if she received the right treatment.

Mr. Amodu’s hospital in itself raises a number of other questions. First, a source in the community claims Mr. Amodu is a psychiatrist and not a general practitioner. A visit to the hospital shows persons exhibiting signs of mental illness strolling around the vicinities of his white storey building, while a few patients waited in the tiny reception. Another concern is the fact that the hospital is located directly behind ‘Bola Federal’, a towering dumpsite that oozes acrid stench in the entire area.

A source in the community claims that it is common knowledge that the police always insists on referring rape and other related cases in the community to Sarabis because the two — the hospital and the police– allegedly shares the N20, 000 fee for ‘medical report’ on a 50/50 ratio.

Dr. Amodu would not confirm or deny anything, instead, directing the reporter to the police. A second victim was also said to have been raped on the same night but details about that are very sketchy. The doctor wouldn’t talk and Hawawu is in flight. At the Divisional Headquarters, neither the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) nor the IPO, Alaba was available for comments.

Attempts to trace the fleeing Hawawu has so far failed. At the equally rustic Orire community in the Ope-Ilu area, also in Ifo Local Government, Tawa, Hawawu’s mother sat despondent. “She was here earlier but she has gone to her father’s relatives’ place and it is very far away,’ she whispered wearily, holding her two children, Latifa, 7, and Kafaya, 4, whom she has for her new husband, Kayode, a gangling electrician with faraway looks.

Tawa who hails from Idanre in Ondo State, just returned from her daily routine of hawking ‘ogi’ (local corn food), looking disheveled, and like her two kids, clearly malnourished. “What can I do? I will welcome whatever steps are taken to find justice for my daughter,” she said in a small, frightened voice.  

Joe Okei-Odumakin, president of the rights group, Women Arise, says justice must be brought to the door steps of the suspects as well as the police officers involved in subverting justice.

“This incident goes to show that impunity is on the rise,” she said. “How can an underage girl be forced to sign an undertaking? There is jungle justice everywhere. The people that perpetuated the heinous crime are walking free while the victim is on the run! We must ensure that these boys are pulled out of their homes and made to face the wrath of the law,” she said.

Mrs. Odumakin, who is currently a delegate at the ongoing National Conference, urged the Senate to pass the anti-rape bill (already passed by the House of Representatives), which stipulates life imprisonment for rape offenders.“This is one rape too many. It is a wake-up call to all lovers of justice to ensure that we find justice for this poor girl,” she added.

PREMIUM TIMES
15/04/14

 

 

 

 

Addressing rape in 21st century Nigeria

Finally, four men have been given life sentences in the rape case of a young female photographer in Mumbai, India. In Nigeria, the laws governing the rape of a minor have been raised to life in prison for the offending rapist and 14 years if the victim is an adult; if the victim survives. Two countries, same problem. A global sexual depravity of pandemic proportions.

The Oxford dictionary’s first definition of rape: v. 1. (of a man) force (another person) to have sexual intercourse with him/her against their will. To have forced sexual relations with a human, even an unsuspecting animal, would be sure to have dire, psychological consequences for the victim; perhaps even irreparable mental damage which may lead to permanent insanity.

Rape! The mere sound of the word sends an uncomfortable yet distinct shiver down the spine. Images of one human brutally overpowering another in absolutely abhorrent acts of forced sexual perversion flash across the mind leaving indelible visions of one of the many devastatingly demoralizing acts of man’s inhumanity to man.

With the many educational as well as scientific achievements and advancements made by the human race in the 20th and 21st centuries, one would think that ancient crimes such as rape would have been drastically curtailed if not obliterated from the pages of civilization. Alas, no. This persistent crime has managed to remain firm, albeit hidden in plain sight, through the ages.

Unfortunately, it seems, by-products of the same achievements and advancements have brought with them cunning new ways of spreading this dreaded social malaise. A disease capable of crippling the very essence of humanity.

Globally, rape has been on the increase. Most likely due to an unhealthy combination of weak laws governing the prosecution of rape cases, the dismal lack of will by constituted authorities to vigorously pursue and prosecute reported incidents, easily accessible pornographic material on the internet along with an alarmingly sharp decline in traditional and religious values.

Liberal views (in some quarters) on the interactions between the sexes. All these, when added to the dangerous mix above, create a volatile recipe like a dormant volcano suddenly awakened and bent on erupting.

The advent of certain entertainers (Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and P-Square come to mind) both at home and abroad with a penchant for glorifying deviant sexual behaviour may, perhaps indirectly, have also contributed to the rise in the perpetration of this vile act. Youth, only in the first evolutionary stages of becoming young men and women, have far more easier and unsupervised access to the internet where they see modes of dressing which even mildly described as indecent would be an understatement. They hear lyrics written with blatant messages of sexual innuendo. They witness erotic dance moves once reserved only for the discreet viewing pleasure of the most daring men. It is only logical that violent acts would be used to quench the wild fires of naked desire emanating from the loins of these young people.

I admit to not being an authority on the issue of the possible psychological leanings which could lead to rape or the contemplation thereof but I am quite confident that I wouldn’t be too far off the mark. Thus said, it behoves the rest of us who remain eternally thankful to our parents / guardians and a bygone era of decency to reignite the flames of purity for the preservation of moral sanctity of generations to come.

“Don’t just say NO to rape. Say NEVER

 

Yusuf Mahmud

04/04/14

 

 

Police detain Lagos DPO for rape

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Onikan Station, Mr. Adekunle Awe for alleged rape and threat to life. Our correspondent learnt that two other policemen of the rank of inspector were also arrested as part of ongoing investigations.

A 31-year-old cook, Idowu Akinwunmi, had accused Awe of raping her in his office on April 15, 2014. A reliable source told our correspondent on Friday that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, the Lagos State Government and other human rights groups were interested in the matter. The source said, “The DPO has been detained at the Special Investigation Bureau at the command headquarters. Two other inspectors, who were on duty when the alleged offence took place have also been arrested. “The state government frowns at rape and if you recall, a new law on rape was passed not too long ago so we shall be leaving no stone unturned. “The complainant and the accused persons as well as very senior officers of the command all had a meeting in the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration and I can tell you authoritatively that no stone will be left unturned.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, aconfirmed the development to our correspondent on the telephone. She said, “As you know, allegation of rape is a very grievous one and we have commenced investigation into the matter. The DPO has been relieved of his post and is in custody so as not to interfere with investigations. “I want to assure the public that the command is not taking it lightly and will make sure that we get to the root of the matter.”

It had been reported that the victim, who worked at an eatery on Keffi Street, Ikoyi, had been arrested by the police at the behest of her boss who accused her of allowing a stranger to sleep over at the restaurant. The police were said to have arrested five others for disobeying the rules of the restaurant.

The victim had said she was forced into having sex with the DPO after he had threatened to kill her and throw her and the other suspects in prison.

PUNCH

19/04/14

My view: I strongly believe that this case should be properly investigated. In the past, there have been cases of women in police cells who voluntarily request the DPO to have sex with them. The sexual act will be used to serve as payment for their release thereafter.

If this DPO is found guilty, he should be made to face the wrath of the law in three (3) folds.

Edna Wey!

70-year-old HIV positive man allegedly rapes 13-year-old girl

A 70-year-old man, allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl in Barkinladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Chris Olakpe, confirmed this to journalists in Jos, the state capital. Mr. Olakpe said the suspect, who is HIV positive, was arrested, following a tip off by neighbours and brought to the state headquarters of the command.“A son of the landlord of the suspect, suspected the act of the 70-year-old man, and alerted the neighborhood,” the police chief said, saying that led to the suspect’s arrest.

The suspect reportedly admitted to the crime and disclosed his HIV status. He then pleaded for mercy. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that residents of the area had gathered to lynch the suspect,but for the intervention of the police. The Police Commissioner said the suspect was being interrogated by the police, while the victim has been taken to a hospital in the state for treatment.

Mr. Olakpe, who spoke via a telephone conference, said the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations. There have been increased rape cases in Barkinladi.

About two weeks ago, a mobile police officer attached to the Special Task Force on Jos crisis was dismissed from the Police Force, for allegedly raping a 4-year-old in Barkinladi.

 

PREMIUM TIMES

12/04/14

 

My View- Where are we going in this Country? A 70 year old man who is supposed to spread words of wisdom, has chosen to spread HIV instead?  He deserves to be hanged!

Edna Wey!