Niger State is experiencing an alarming rise in rape cases, with victims as young as four years old being defiled by those who should be their protectors. Many perpetrators escape justice as most cases go unreported, while those that are reported are often withdrawn due to stigmatization fears and financial constraints.

In response to this disturbing trend, advocates are pushing for stricter enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015, which criminalizes various forms of violence including sexual assault and provides protection for victims.

A particularly harrowing case involves a four-year-old girl from Kontagora Local Government Area who was abducted from her family compound in April 2025, sexually assaulted by multiple individuals, and abandoned at a refuse site.

The father, speaking anonymously, recounted the horrific incident: "As soon as we noticed she was missing, we started searching for her with the help of neighbors in the night for hours. Neighbors discovered my little baby lying helplessly and unable to move on a dump site after the 5 am Muslim prayers."

"When we checked her, we saw blood stains between her legs, and further examination revealed that she had been raped to the point her organs were out. She told us that she was carried away while sleeping by unknown persons to an unfinished building, and after raping, dumped her on a refuse site," he explained.

The child was initially taken to Kontagora General Hospital before being referred to a hospital in Sokoto State for specialized treatment. After two weeks of hospitalization, she was discharged but continues to receive medical care.

Authorities Respond to Rising GBV Cases

Mary Isah, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, described gender-based violence (GBV) as "a great menace that needs to be addressed. It causes havoc, splits homes, removes peace from homes, and sends victims into depression."

According to Isah, while GBV affects both genders, women and children remain the most vulnerable. "Out of all the cases reported, more than half are from females, and a small fraction are from males. Probably due to ego, males find it difficult to report," she noted.

Mrs. Rachel Turakin, Director of Social Welfare Services at the Ministry, confirmed the high prevalence of rape cases, particularly in Minna. She revealed that while only about five cases have resulted in convictions so far, approximately 114 cases are currently being prosecuted in various courts.

Regarding the four-year-old victim from Kontagora, Turakin explained, "According to the report, because of the heat, the family was sleeping outside, and some people forcefully picked her up and took her to an unknown place where they raped her, resulting in severe injuries to her organs."

Government Commitment to Protecting Victims

Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed Shitu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, assured that the state government is committed to protecting GBV victims. "We urge victims of not only rape but any kind of GBV to speak out to ensure justice is served and get support. Just like the parents of the four-year-old did, the State Government ensured she received treatment and will be returning to Sokoto for her second surgery," she stated.

The Ministry is deploying social area officers to sensitize communities about the importance of reporting GBV cases to ensure perpetrators face legal consequences and to significantly reduce such incidents across the state.

Advocates continue to emphasize that victims should not suffer in silence and that reporting these crimes is crucial for both justice and healing.