Instances of rape and sexual predation have become a distressing issue in various parts of Nigeria, especially among internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, where female children are particularly vulnerable.
In Borno State, concerns have been raised over the rising incidents of rape and sexual violence against girls, with survivors and their families often hesitant to come forward.
Both government and non-governmental organizations have strongly condemned the scourge that has affected many female IDPs over the years.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, spoke out against sexual predators targeting female IDPs in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
He shared alarming statistics from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which reported a total of 5,623 incidents of child abuse and other sexual and gender-based violence from January 2018 to July 2022 across the three states in the North Eastern region.
According to the SARC study, 640 arrests were made, accounting for 88.6 per cent of the total number of sexual and gender-based violence incidents over the four-year period.
Additionally, 82 offenders were charged in various courts within the three states. The report also highlighted that eight convictions were secured against sexual offenders who were taken to court.
Human Rights Watch documented cases of sexual abuse, including rape and exploitation, involving 43 women and girls living in seven IDP camps in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
Several studies have concluded that the culprits and perpetrators of gender-based violence in IDP camps include civilians, military personnel, and emergency management officers who are assigned to protect and support internally displaced persons.
The report also shed light on government officials and other authorities in Nigeria who raped and sexually abused girls displaced by the conflict with Boko Haram.
Tragically, in January 2022, a 15-year-old IDP named Aisha Umar in Borno State committed suicide after being raped by a 35-year-old official from an international non-governmental organization.
The incident took place at the suspect’s apartment near the Dalori IDP camp in Maiduguri, under the pretense of cleaning the area.
Efforts to Resettle IDPs
The Borno State Government’s efforts to resettle IDPs have played a vital role in reducing sexual violence against females seeking refuge in the region.
Governor Babagana Zulum has officially closed all formal IDP camps in Maiduguri due to the return of peace in the state.
Beginning in 2021, the state government initiated the closure of all camps in the capital, which is considered the most secure location in the state.
By August 2022, Borno State authorities had successfully relocated over 140,000 people from eight closed camps in Maiduguri since May 2021.
This significant progress has undoubtedly eased the issue of sexual harassment in the North Eastern region, as the closure of formal IDP camps and the resettlement efforts are crucial steps toward ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.
However, ongoing vigilance, comprehensive support services, and strict enforcement of laws are necessary to address and prevent sexual predation and other forms of gender-based violence, both within IDP camps and in broader society.
Continued collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the international community is vital to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially those affected by conflicts and displacement.