International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Readdressing Rape Phenomenon in Yobe State: An Islamic Alternative
Dr. Adam Abdullahi Mohammed & amp; Dr. Adam Muhammad Abubakar
Department of Islamic Studies, Yobe State University Damaturu, Nigeria
Abstract: Rape is regarded as the most aggressive and serious sexual offence. It is a very serious crime affecting the lives and general activities of victims and their families, socially, psychologically and mentally. In Nigeria, rape incidence for women and girls is on an increasing trend; because of the discriminatory nature of the application of its laws, and sometimes some forms of violence against women are even legalized. It is against this backdrop that this research aims at identifying the real factors of prevalence of rape phenomena in Yobe state, with an attempt to provide solutions from Islamic perspective. The research is an exploratory qualitative research that sourced cross sectional primary data collected through the use of structured questionnaire. Multistage purposive sampling method was employed in selecting the respondents for the study across the study area. Thematic Analysis was employed as the method of data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and interpret the results of the thematic analyses of the data obtained. The findings of this research revealed that, lack of proper punishment for culprits is the major factor responsible of high rate of rape cases in Yobe state. It farther revealed that societal hatred against rape victims is the most common negative effect of rape phenomenon in the state. Finally, the recommended that public awareness campaigns should be carryout to address hindrances of prosecuting and punishing rape and other sexually related culprits in Yobe State.
Key words: Readdressing, Rape, Phenomenon, Islamic alternative, Yobe State.
I. INTRODUCTION
Rape is a serious crime and violation of fundamentals of human rights and freedom, while crime and violence are social ills that terrorize the peaceful coexistence of humanity and societal peace. The Beijing Platform for Action entails the United Nations and all national and international communities to promote and encourage research, collect data and compile statistics related to the occurrence of different forms of violence against women. It also requires them to support research into the causes, nature, gravity and consequences of violence against women, as well as the effectiveness of measures implemented to prevent and redress violence against women.
Efforts have been made here and there in Nigeria to find solutions and to stop the re-occurrences of the rape phenomena, but up until now, cases are continuously reoccurring. To put efforts together in putting an end to the tragedy another alternative should be considered.
Islam, as the universal and final message of Allah to entire world came to establish justice and mercy in the heart of a cruel world and prohibited any oppressive behavior. Allah said: