It was on a beautiful bright day as I listened to A'isha Iliyasu Surko, the Chairperson of Muryar Matan Arewa/Human Rights on the phone.
Her tone was rapidly changing from sad to enraged back to heartbroken - four boys were discovered to be constantly raped by an older peer in a part of Jigawa and her help was needed.
According to figures from Jigawa Justice Ministry, about 80% of crimes committed in the state are abuse cases, mostly rape of minors.
From reports, boys and girls are being raped almost at the same pace and very frequently.
We Fear For Our Children - Surko
Aisha Iliyasu Surko chairs the umbrella group of human rights group in Jigawa and in a conversation with AllNews Nigeria, she says their fear rises like the current of the waters during a Tsunami.
She narrated how a three-year-old was raped in a market in Hadejia.
"I could barely sleep after watching the girl, it has heartless, it was barbaric to think a grown man would find such a child attractive.
"This isn't just the case, cases of homosexuality are also rising at an alarming rate.
"We are terrified for our children and the long procedures of the courts further complicate issues," A'isha shared.
'We Are Fighting A Good Fight'
"Collectively as a group, we are putting up a fierce fight," Aisha Surko said.
According to her, the group is at the forefront in partnership with interest groups pushing for the Violation Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) law.
She smiled while saying currently, the law is used by courts to punish rapists and other human rights violators in the state.
We Are Standing Guard Against Violators - Police
On the part of the security agents, they say they stand watch and will always protect children, women and the entire Jigawa population.
Accordingly, to the State Police Spokesman, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, "In any rape case or anything related; abuse/molestation, (vagina, anus, mouth) security agents will not take it for granted."
He said the force has always acted promptly in rape cases with very thorough investigations.
"When we receive it either from Area Commands, Divisions, Sister Agents, or direct complaint, a discreet investigation will be performed and those responsible will be prosecuted accordingly without any consideration."
People Shy Away From Reporting Rape Cases
Though DSP Shiisu said the command is aware of how fear of stigma is stopping people from reporting rape cases, he added that they will not relent in ensuring justice for the survivors.
He said they are also working round the clock to make people see the dangers of keeping mute.
"We keep on enlightening the public, especially parents, don't hide rape cases because of the stigma, as we assured them the identity of their kids will remain anonymous.
"They shall pray for their kids against the devil and evil acts, stand on their feet to checkmate who and where their children interact, especially with those who are closely related to them in homes or schools."
Police Compensate Victims
Aside from protecting the identity of victims/survivors of rape, Lawan Shiisu also said they spearhead the compensation of victims, especially those violated by HIV-positive villains.
"We are all aware that the Jigawa State Government signed the Violation Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) into law; rapists when prosecuted and convicted penalty is a death sentence or imprisonment for life.
"500,000.00 shall be awarded as compensation to the victim when the suspect has HIV positive.
"The court shall order the public shaming of the convicted sex offender through radio announcements."
He said the law will never be merciful to perpetrators of rape, noting that added that even an attempted rape carries heavy punishments.
"A person who attempts to commit rape shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than 14 years without the option of a fine."
The Judiciary Promises Speedy Trials
During a visit to Jigawa State Chief Judge, Umar Maigari, he promised that the Judiciary will not slack behind in ensuring justice in rape cases presented to the courts.
He said after the judges started handing down harsh punishments to perpetrators, the cases have reduced.
"In relation to that we have a law that is in place named Violence Against Persons Prohibition law number 2 of 2021.
"This is the law that provides protection for not only women but including vulnerable children or men in the society.
"You know now the offences are bicameral in nature because rape is committed on females and also on males."
He said the courts have been passing the right judgements for the crimes.
Justice Maigatari also revealed that he has informed judges to quickly handle rape cases to ensure society feels the impact of the law.
He said the eight judges in the state as of 2021 have passed life imprisonment for at least two perpetrators of rape.
"So when we had a meeting in the government house, the Commissioner of Police reported that the issue of rape has gone down."
He said instead of about 200 cases of rape reported every month in the state, it has reduced to about 80.
The Chief Judge promised the children, women and men in Jigawa that their rights would be protected in court.
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