Police decry rising rape cases in Plateau

Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, has raised an alarm over the increasing rate of rape and defilement cases in the state.

Ewah disclosed this at the weekend while parading 25 suspects at the police headquarters in Jos, noting that rape-related offences constituted the majority of the cases.

According to the police commissioner, the command has recorded no fewer than 64 rape and defilement cases within his three months in office.

Describing the situation as an “epidemic,” the CP said, “What we have seen can best be described as an epidemic”.

Among the suspects paraded was an individual accused of having carnal knowledge of a nine-year-old boy through anal assault. Another suspect was apprehended for unlawful possession of locally made firearms.

The commissioner also expressed concern over cases involving family members, revealing that three uncles allegedly raped their niece repeatedly over a period of time.

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He stated that he has directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to intensify efforts in tracking down perpetrators of rape and related offences. He also called on parents and guardians to maintain closer supervision of their children.

In a related development, three persons accused of hacking a student of the University of Jos were also paraded. The gang leader, identified as Abubakar, reportedly confessed to the crime.

Addressing issues of misconduct within the force, the CP warned against the harassment of members of the public by police officers. He urged citizens, particularly journalists, to report any officer found engaging in unprofessional conduct.

“Police officers should not hesitate to be investigated by members of the public, including journalists,” he said.

The police also arrested and paraded nine suspected “Sarasuka” cultists, and displayed weapons and other exhibits recovered from the suspects.

The police boss commended journalists in Plateau State for their professionalism and continued support to the command.

Nathaniel Gbaoron

Nathaniel E. Gbaoron is the Plateau State correspondent for BusinessDay and a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering sub-national affairs across Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states. He holds both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko. Over the years, he has participated in numerous media trainings and workshops spanning various areas of reporting, strengthening his expertise in economic and political reporting, community-level governance, development stories, and conflict-sensitive journalism. He is a member of Correspondent Chapel in Plateau state, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he is also a Rotarian and a member of Plateau Club 1921.