Human Rights Committee Chairperson condemns rising cases of child rape in Bauchi

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

The Chairperson, Human Rights Committee, Barrister Sadiya Saleh has condemned the rising cases of child rape in Bauchi state.

Barr. Sadiya who is also the vice Chairperson of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Bauchi state chapter, made the condemnation when she spoke at a 2-day workshop organized by Attah Helping Hand Foundation at the Executive Nest Hotels Bauchi on Wednesday.

The workshop had, “two-day workshop with key stakeholders on Responsive Action to the Women Peace and Security Pillars (Participation, Prevention, Protection, Relief and Recovery) as means to promoting gender diversity in Bauchi state” as the theme.

Barr. Sadiya who doubles as the Chairperson, Law Officers Association of Nigeria and the Chief state prosecutor with the ministry of Justice, said Collective efforts is highly required to nip the menace in the bud.

According to her, the rate of Child rape in Bauchi is one of the highest in the North, adding that nearly 10 cases are recorded weekly.

She said that the rate of child rape is high among children below the age of ten.

Barr. Sadiya further described the rate at which children are raped as disturbing and disheartening, said the issue is of greater concern.

On whether child is done for ritual purposes, Barr. Sadiya noted that with over 10 years of experience, she has never come across a single case of child rape associated with ritual.

She recalled that the only case she once handled that was associated with ritual was that of a man who raped an older person who was using a wheelchair who died after been raped by her neighbor.

According to her, the man even showed them the charm which he was given for the money making ritual.

She insisted that when it comes to children, many cases have been recorded where fathers raped their children and brothers raping their biological sisters.

“I don’t think it is associated with rituals, I think they are paedophiles, they are just sick people and they need help but it has nothing to do with rituals best on experience so far”, she noted.

Barr. Sadiya who stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to address the problem, said “we need parents to be on board, we need teachers to be on board, we need religious and traditional leaders to preach against the menace”.

She also urged journalists in the country to create more awareness on the dangers, implications and repercussions associated with rape in order to have conducive atmosphere for living.

She said allowing children to hawk in the streets due to poverty among households has exposed them to bad eggs in the society.

“When you interact with some parents, they will tell you that they have to send their children to hawk so that they can get money for the family. So, poverty plays a very big role there”, she explained.

Barr Sadiya called on the NGOs and the government to intensify effort by ensuring that the citizens are empowered with both knowledge and resources to be able to overcome the issue.