The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Monday disclosed to reporters that a total of 717 rape cases had been reported across the country between January and May of 2020, with 631 resolved and 52 still under investigation. 
The IGP made this known while speaking at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja on Monday, June 15, amidst the public outcry and protest across the country of the recent increase of rape cases, sexual assault and harassment, and defilement of minors.
Some of the most notable of the recent rape cases that has led to the increase of public protest is the case of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year-old student of the University of Benin, was reported to have been raped and killed in an empty church in Benin City recently.
18-year-old Barakat Bello was also raped and macheted to death in Ibadan, Oyo State recently.
Grace Oshiagwu who was raped and murder in church too in Ibadan Oyo State.
Adamu spoke after he joined the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; and the Minister of Women Affairs Development, Pauline Tallen; to meet the President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said,
“It has come to the public knowledge now that because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have a surge in cases of rape and gender-based violence.
“Law enforcement agents have been dealing with these cases, and in most cases, members of the public are not aware of the actions that the law enforcement agents have been taking.
“The Nigeria Police so far from January to May 2020 has recorded about 717 rape incidents that were reported across the country. About 799 suspects have been arrested, 631 cases conclusively investigated and charged to court and 52 cases are left and under investigation.
“The police, other security agencies and other Non-Governmental Organisations have been collaborating to see to it that these cases of rape and gender-based violence are dealt with.”
Photo Credit: Getty
