About 19 young women have been allegedly raped in the four resettlement camps established to accommodate flood victims in Makurdi, the Benue State capital (Nigeria).
Sources say the crimes were committed by young men who live within the camps and, in a few other cases, by people who live in close proximity to the camps.
One of the victims of rape who did not want to be named said she was raped two days ago around 10pm by a man she cannot identify.
According to reports, the young lady said: “I just walked back into the camp after I had visited a former neighbour in town. I got into the camp that evening, while walking towards the classrooms where we sleep, somebody called my name from a dark spot.
“I tried to find out who it was, but before I knew what was happening, somebody grabbed me from behind and threatened that he would stab me to death if I shouted. He grabbed me down and raped me.
“I am not the only one they have done this to, there are so many other girls; there are over 19 of us that have been raped in the last few days, but we are all hiding it because of the shame, but if we don’t cry out we will not get help because we are helpless. And if we don’t cry out because of the shame, the people behind this evil acts will continue to torment girls and women in the camps.”
When contacted to comment on the rape allegations, the Benue State deputy police public relations officer, ASP Ejike Alaribe, said no rape case has been brought to the notice of the police. He gave his assurance that the police will intensify efforts to heighten security within and around the settlement camps to forestall further occurrences.
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