The Commissioner of Police in Gombe, Ishola Babaita, has lamented the increase in rape cases, stating that perpetrators do not deserve to live in society.

“Perpetrators of rape are not fit to live among the people because of the kind of threats they expose women and girls to,” Mr Babaita said.

In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, he described rape as a serious offence that needed not to be covered but exposed to the police for quick action to protect children from perpetrators of the act in the state.

“The psychological and emotional torture from rape or sexual violence on victims increases whenever they see perpetrators of such crimes walking freely,” he said.

Mr Babaita said his command was strengthening efforts at addressing the cases of rape in the state, adding, “we move in swiftly whenever cases of rape are reported to the police.”

He advised parents to always speak up against rape to protect children and ensure a reduction in cases of rape in the state.

“I advise parents always to speak up whenever such cases occur because you are not doing society, women and children any good by your silence,” said Mr Babaita. “That is why we are appealing to everyone to help with the right information to arrest culprits and send them to court.”

The police boss noted that 104 suspects had been apprehended from the 93 rape cases reported to the command in 2021, and 88 cases were charged to court, while five were still under investigation.

(NAN)