Morality Where Are You? A Criminological Exploration of Rape Recurrence in Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Nasarawa State - Nigeria

Abstract

The cankerworm called rape is becoming a recurrent crime in Nigeria. The cases keep surging and the sitoation has Become an issue of concern to parents, security agencies and govemment. Efferts put by gavernment to arrest the situation have not ytelded reasonable results. This study examined the incidence of rape in Nasarawa South. The objectives of the studly include: to ascertain the reasons that account for the increase in rape in Nasarawa South, find out the strategies used by perpetrators of rape on their victims, and proffering solutions that could curb the crime of rape in Nasarawa South. The study adopted the synthesized theory of rape for theoretical framework. The survey research design was used for the study. A sample size of 140 respondents were sampled and given copies of questionnaire. However, only 120 were retrieved for analysis. The method of data analysis was through the use of pie chart, bar chart, line chart, area chart and percentages. The study found that the main reason that account for increase in rape is dearth of convictions on previcus perpetrators. Other reasons discovered include systemic failure, dysfunctional systems in the society, and snail speed judicial system. The study found that the strategy used by perpetrators of rape on their victims is playing with emotion. Other strategies discovered include sexting, working on victim's psychology, money power and hypnosis. The study recommended that courts should ensure speedy trials of cases of rape so as to bring perpetrators to book to serve as deterrent. The study further recommended that government should review existing penalties for rape to accommodate stiffer penalties.