RAPE AS A SOCIAL PROBLEM IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY: INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to briefly introduce rape as a social problem in Nigeria which has attracted scholarly attention of this Special Edition of the Nigerian Journal of Social Problems and Social Policy Review. Rape involves sexual penetration of a person without his or her consent by another and occurs all over the world. However, in recent times, the incidences of rape in Nigeria have risen tremendously especially during the COVID- 19 lockdown era. This paper briefly examines the meaning of rape, immediate and remote causes of rape, why rape cases are often under-reported in Nigeria and the effects of rape on victim’s social life. The need for aggressive public enlightenment on dangers of rape, lighting up of streets and investment in education of the girl-child were canvassed as measures that could minimize the incidence of rape in Nigeria.