Group raises alarm over high rate of defilement of minors

A non-governmental organization, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) on Tuesday raised the alarm over the high rate of minors’ defilement in the country.

The right group which was reportedly constituted in response to the high incidence of rape and sexual violence in Nigeria, in its research unveiled data exposing the alarming rate of rape and sexual violence incidents especially among minors.

In a statement made available to our correspondent, the organization however, sought to reduce the numbers by using a holistic “WARIF Approach” through Awareness/Sensitization Programs and Post Incident Care of survivors of gender-based violence.

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“Data reported from the WARIF indicates that over 1,100 girls in less than 3 years have been attended to at the WARIF Centre, of which 759 (accounting for 69% ) were minors between the ages of 0-18 years old.

“Also reported , based on monitoring and evaluation of the number of these cases by the Foundation since inception, the incidents of sexual assault was highest in 2018 making up 45% of the incidents reported till date”, the statement read.

The founder of WARIF, Dr. Kemi DaSilva Ibru in the statement said “25% of our female population were being exposed to various acts of sexual violence and rape. Majority of these young women had nowhere to access free health care or seek help after their abuse”.

She added that “With the alarming rate of sexual assault survivors coming out to speak their truth, organizations like WARIF who have been at the forefront of this menace are prepared to do all they can to support these survivors”.

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