The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has linked the surge in rape cases to the lockdown. Tallen made these comments to state house correspondents on Wednesday, June 10 following the Federal Executive Council meeting, where she addressed the issue of rape in the country.
She revealed that an action plan involving the judiciary and the media is being developed to address the problem of rape.
Tallen emphasized the impact of the lockdown, stating, “There has been an outcry against rape epidemic because of the lockdown. I know we have always had rape in this country but with the lockdown of people in homes because of COVID-19, women and children are locked down with their abusers. The number has escalated three times compared to what we had seen. There is no state with an exception. The number has reached an alarming rate.”
She further called for legal intervention, media campaigns, and public enlightenment to address the issue. Additionally, she emphasized that the judiciary and police must ensure that reported rape cases are not taken lightly and that justice is promptly served.
Tallen expressed gratitude for the full support of the President and all members of the council in taking decisive actions to protect women and children in the country.