THE minister of women’s affairs, Pauline Tallen, stated yesterday that over 11,000 rape cases had been reported in Nigeria, but only 33 offenders had been found guilty.
According to the minister, 3507 cases are open, 592 cases are closed, and 401 instances have resulted in death.
She spoke in Abuja yesterday at the orange ceremony and lighting of the UN house, which took place in commemoration of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
She maintained that toxic misogyny, harmful cultural stereotypes, the failure of law enforcement to properly investigate rape cases, and a lack of sufficient support for survivors had combined to create a culture of silence and impunity that was failing hundreds of women and girls every year.
“Concrete actions have not been taken to tackle the rape crisis in Nigeria with the seriousness it deserves. Women and girls continue to be failed by a system that makes it increasingly difficult for survivors to get justice, while allowing perpetrators to get away with gross human rights violations,” she said.
