GANG RAPE: Lagos community residents cry out over gang rape

Some residents of Lagos State living around Cele bus Stop on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, on Friday sent a Save-Our-Soul message to the government and security agencies over rising gang rape.

The residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, alleged that the illegal activity was not only carried out in Cele area but also in places like Oshodi and Mile 2.

According to them, the nefarious act was being perpetrated by miscreants who usually attack unsuspecting victims coming back from work anytime from 4 p.m.

A market woman who sells wares around Cele bus stop and who identified herself as ‘Mama Doyin’ told the NAN that the development had become worrisome as it was on the increase.

Mama Doyin said, “I don’t allow my daughters to go out at nights anymore because of the rumour about gang rape in the area.

“Also, I have told my daughters to stop putting on miniskirts that will attract any form of molestation and rape by hooligans.

“The woman also attributed the cause of gang rape to the clothes the ladies put on, saying the government should also address the issue.

“Ladies put on clothes that reveal their inner body and that also contributes to this menace.”

Mama Doyin noted that though there was police presence in the area, the activities of the hooligans had not been reported to be under check.

She then, appealed to the government and security agencies to find a solution to the menace before it further escalates.

A 54-year old man, Tunji Olawale, a resident of Cele area, who also spoke to NAN, also confirmed the development.

“They attack ladies in the late hours of the night, take them to a bush and rape them,” he said.

“Some even lure the ladies into a house, call their other guys and they all perform the illegal act on their victims,” he said.

Asking if he could give a particular area where this illegal act took place, he said he had no idea but that it is a common story around there.

He added that the gang rape issue was a menace the police and the government should look into and prosecute anyone found guilty of the offence.

An artisan, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that the menace had become very rampant around the metropolis and urged security operatives to wade into the matter.

An eye witness, who refused to be named, said that the boys mostly attack pregnant women before clamping down on the ones not pregnant.

“These boys make attacking pregnant women a priority than the non-pregnant ones,”she said.

The eyewitness added that everyone in the area had begun to suspect the involvement of the police in the act as the incident usually happen around the area they were stationed.

But the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, when contacted, said that all black spots in Lagos State was under serious surveillance by the police.

He noted that if the development was going on the police would definitely get to the root.

Nwosu debunked the rumour of police involvement and advised victims to always report any such incident to the police.