The Founder, Saab Foundation, Sa’adat Bibire, has said that no fewer than 1,000 women were raped in Kwara State in 2016.She quoted the state Ministry of Women Affairs as having uncovered and confirmed the 1,000 rape cases, adding that the crime had become too high in the state.
She lamented the harmful effects of rape, child abuse, molestation, female genital mutilation and domestic violence.
Bibire spoke during the foundation’s campaign against rape and other gender-based violence in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The campaign was tagged, ‘Walkathon against rape.’
Members and supporters of the foundation marched around Ilorin with placards to raise awareness on crimes against women like rape and domestic violence.
She said, “Rape could be spiritual or psychological. Rapists are either animals or devils. Rape victims should speak up. They should stop blaming or hating themselves throughout their lives and they should not end up committing suicide. It is not their fault.
“We are creating awareness for gender-based violence. We are working to make people know that these things are real.