The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released a disturbing report indicating a significant rise in the number of women who were victims of rape in Nigeria.
According to the latest “Statistical Report on Women and Men in Nigeria 2022,” the percentage of females who experienced rape increased from 48 percent in 2021 to 65 percent in 2022.
The report highlights an annual increase in the incidence of rape among women, with Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation, stating that the new data aims to support policies and programmes promoting equal rights and opportunities for both genders in the country.
“In 2020, 29.00 percent of females were victims of rape, which increased significantly in 2021 and 2022 to 48.00 percent and 65.00 percent respectively,” the report reads. “This indicates that women and the girl-child are most likely to be raped compared to their male counterparts.”
The report also provides a state-by-state breakdown, revealing that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had the highest incidence of rape in 2020 with 10.00 percent. Benue State recorded the highest incidence of rape for females in both 2021 and 2022, with 15.00 percent and 12.00 percent respectively.
In addition to the alarming rape statistics, the report also addresses human trafficking trends. It shows that the percentage of females trafficked for forced labour decreased to 59.14 percent in 2022, while those trafficked for prostitution surged by 99.55 percent.
The NBS report further reveals changes in prison demographics. The percentage of females in Nigerian prisons increased from 4.48 percent in 2021 to 4.82 percent in 2022. Male inmates continue to dominate the prison population, accounting for 95.18 percent of prisoners in 2022.
“According to the Nigeria Correctional Service data, the percentage of females admitted into prison was 4.90 percent, 4.48 percent, and 4.82 percent in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively,” the report states.
“In 2020, 2021, and 2022, male inmates accounted for 95.10 percent, 95.52 percent, and 95.18 percent respectively.
“Stealing was the most prevalent offence committed by both men and women. The number of men convicted in 2020 was 40,555, which declined in 2021 to 31,921 and increased to 44,477 in 2022.
“Similarly, the number of women admitted to prison for stealing in 2020 was 1,981, which decreased in both 2021 and 2022 to 1,320 and 1,272 respectively.”
