Niger State is experiencing an alarming surge in rape cases, with victims as young as four years old being targeted by perpetrators who often escape justice, according to state officials and victims' families.

In a particularly disturbing case from Kontagora Local Government Area, a four-year-old girl was abducted from her family compound in April 2025, sexually assaulted by multiple individuals, and abandoned at a refuse dump site with severe injuries to her organs.

The victim's father, speaking anonymously, recounted the horrific ordeal: "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," he added.

The child was initially treated at Kontagora General Hospital before being referred to a specialized facility in Sokoto State. After two weeks of hospitalization, she was discharged but continues to receive treatment and is scheduled for a second surgery.

Low Conviction Rates Despite High Case Numbers

Mrs. Reachel Twaki, Director of Social Welfare Services at the Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, confirmed that rape cases are prevalent throughout the state, particularly in Minna, the capital city.

"We are dealing with several rape cases, but we have few convictions so far. Since we started, we have gotten about five convicted cases, although very minimal," Twaki stated. She noted that approximately 114 cases are currently proceeding through various courts in the state.

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 protections for victims.

Barriers to Reporting and Justice

Many rape cases in Niger State go unreported due to fear of stigmatization, lack of financial resources to pursue legal action, and other societal pressures, according to officials.

Mary Yisa, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry, emphasized that gender-based violence (GBV) affects both males and females, though women and children remain more 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," Yisa explained.

She urged victims to speak out: "We want everyone to know that you must not die in silence. This is not the era of 'I'm the man.' You keep quiet, and the woman will deal with you silently, and then all of a sudden, the ultimate happens."

Government Response

Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed Shiru, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, assured that the state government is committed to protecting GBV victims and has laws in place to punish offenders.

"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 consequences and to reduce the prevalence of such crimes in the state.