The Human Rights Watch on Monday accused Nigerian officials of sexually abusing women and girls living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The group alleged that the abusers include camp leaders, vigilante groups, policemen, and soldiers.
Senior Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch, Mausi Segun, said, “It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram. It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them.”
The HRW said four of the victims said they were drugged and raped, while 37 were coerced into sex through false marriage promises and material and financial assistance.
A seventeen-year old girl who shared her experience with a policeman, said, “One day he demanded to have sex with me. I refused but he forced me. It happened just that one time, but soon I realized I was pregnant. When I informed him about my condition, he threatened to shoot and kill me if I told anyone else. So I was too afraid to report him.”
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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