Nigeria recorded 717 cases of rape and sexual assault between January and May, 2020 according to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu.
The IGP said this while addressing the press after a joint visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential villa alongside Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and Minister of Women Affairs Development, Paulen Tallen.
Adamu said out of the total number of recorded cases, investigations had been concluded with 631 and the suspects involved charged to court.
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He said further that 799 suspects were arrested in connection with the cases as investigations are still ongoing with the remaining 51.
“It has come to the public knowledge now that because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have a surge in cases of rape and gender-based violence.
“Law enforcement agents have been dealing with these cases, and in most cases, members of the public are not aware of the actions that the law enforcement agents have been taking.
The Nigeria Police so far from January to May 2020 has recorded about 717 rape incidents that were reported across the country. About 799 suspects have been arrested, 631 cases conclusively investigated and charged to court and 52 cases are left and under investigation.
The police, other security agencies, and other Non-Governmental Organisations have been collaborating to see to it that these cases of rape and gender-based violence are dealt with.” he said.
This is coming on the backdrop of an increase in cases of rape and sexual assault across the country.
Nigerians from all walks of life have condemned to the new development and called on authorities to do more to bring rapists to Justice.