ABEOKUTA — Stakeholders have raised fresh concerns over the alarming rise in cases of sexual violence in Ogun State, calling for urgent community sensitization, child education, and bold reforms in justice and parental engagement.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ orientation programme organised by The Brave Movement in Abeokuta on Tuesday, educationist and councillor, Antoinette Ehimwema Omo-Osagie, declared that one in five girls and one in seven boys have experienced some form of sexual abuse, ranging from unwanted touching to attempted or actual rape.
“Sexual abuse is not limited to girls alone. Boys too are being raped. We must stop pretending that children are clueless. Many know exactly what’s happening to them but lack the confidence to speak up—especially when they fear their own parents won’t listen,” she said.
She emphasized that breaking the culture of silence and shame is key to prevention. “We may not be able to stop sexual abuse entirely, but we can prevent it. And that starts with awareness.”
Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Ogun State Command, Sarah Eyidero, lamented the disturbing trend of community leaders and even parents frustrating justice processes for victims.
“Some mothers are given money to bury rape cases—poverty plays a role. We’ve had traditional rulers come to the station begging us to release perpetrators,” Eyidero revealed.
She stressed the need to identify hotspots of abuse, especially in remote villages, and convene focused stakeholder meetings at the grassroots level.
“It takes immense bravery to speak out about sexual violence. Survivors deserve to be applauded, not silenced.”
On his part, Adeoye Ayodele, Chairman of the Ogun State Councillors Association, identified peer pressure and drug use as contributing factors. He stressed that the association’s approach remains redemptive and education-based.
“Our strategy is focused on redeeming lives. We must educate our young people and continually reorient them about the dangers and boundaries of sexual behavior,” he said.
The event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officials, and educators in a unified call for collective action to protect children, empower survivors, and hold offenders accountable.
