by Feyisayo Adeyemi

The issue of rape in Nigeria had been the topic of discussion all week long. Rubbin Minds’ Debola Williams and Phoenix Osinuga took on this issue in the last edition. Debola said “I’m wearing black today to mourn with women who had been molested” and nn this note the show began mirroring issues in the past week and finally attention fell on the notorious ‘ABSU rape’.

Guests on the show were Glory Edozien Features Editor for Bellanaija; Matse Uwatse, an on air personality; Akinlami Taiwo a lawyer and Omoye, an actor and radio presenter. They all described how terrifying watching the rape video would be and the scar the victim had to carry for life. Omoye urge that “we should just focus on getting justice served and save the girl” while Akinlami believes that to “tackle this issue we have to go to the root which is the society”. He continues that a rapist, himself, is a victim. This point of view Glory believes is wrong as it might be misconstrued to justifying rape.

The role of the society was well advocated in this rape issue. Phoenix reminded that “what were you doing at his place?” is what many mothers would say rather than helping to support their daughter as they seek justice and save her. Matse noted that parents should support their children in order to rise above the situation with Glory also appealing to “mothers to train their sons on how to treat a woman and value her”. Proper home training and education is believed will help counter this menace

The scar left by rape on the victim is such a huge psychological issue which needs to be handled for the victim to survive this. Matse said after watching the infamous ABSU rape video, “I didn’t want anybody to touch me, how much more the victim herself”. Omoye emphasized how important it is for the society to save the girl and victims of rape saying that the psychological effect might lead to other problems in the society.

The discussion came to conclusion as the guest noted that it is very important for victims to rise above the situation, seek help and move on with their life. Akinlami used his personal experience as a case study and urged that there is still recovery from all the effects of abuse on the victim.

The Rubbin Minds crew will be bringing a Psychologist to the second edition of this issue to extensively discuss rape and the psychology around it. As announced by Debola, ABSU Rape Walk will be holding in Lagos, Abuja and Abia on the 5th of October 2011.

Oluwapelumi