The Lagos Police Command says no fewer than 32 separate cases of defilement, rape, incest and sodomy have been reported by residents of the state in the last six months.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana applauded Lagos state for establishing a strong bond between hospitals and the police, adding that such link has ensured they are abreast of developments on rape cases

He disclosed that between January and June, the state recorded 32 cases of defilement, rape, incest and sodomy.

“We have arrested 39 suspects in connection with the 32 rape cases. Also, we have charged 29 of those suspects to court with three persons remaining in custody because their case just came in some days ago. They will also be prosecuted before the end of this week,” he said.

The deputy superintendent of police explained that rape cases are always easier to resolve when victims present themselves early for medical examinations and forensic evidence.

“This is where non-government organisations like Mirabel Centre has proved useful. They have a team of counsellors and medical experts who attend to victims and help secure pieces of evidence like a bloodstain, sperms and pubic hair (in some cases).

“Some of these rape cases are not all about girls and women. It also involves boys who had been sodomised and sustained injuries. The important thing is for the victims to protect and present themselves early for treatment and further investigation,” he urged

Nigeria has been enmeshed with sad tales of young girls and women being sexually assaulted in open and obscure places. Recent victims included Vera Omozuwa and Barakat Bello, both killed in the process.

Another recent victim was a 12-year-old girl who was gang-raped by four masked men last week in Ajah area, Lagos.

The United Nations Children’s Fund reported in 2015 that one in every four girls and one in every ten boys had experienced sexual violence before the age of 18 years.