Kano State Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Maliki Kuliya Umar, has disclosed that there were more than 100 reported cases of rape between November and December 2013 in Kano courts while many more of such reported cases were settled outside courtrooms within the same period.

Speaking in an interview in Kano, Barrister Umar noted that the number of the reported cases was so high because people are now aware of the need to report rape cases to the police, unlike before when victims’ parents or guardians remained silent because of the stigma.

He explained that more than 40 rapists were convicted and are serving terms in prison.

“Rape is becoming problematic not only in Kano or Nigeria but also globally,” he insisted.

According to the commissioner, the fight against rape requires collaborative efforts on the parts of parents, guardians, authorities and other stakeholders. “All hands must be on deck to check the excesses of the problem,” he advised.

The commissioner revealed that the state governor, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has approved some funds for aggressive media campaign against rape cases in the state.

•Text excerpted from LEADERSHIP.