The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the introduction of chemical castration as punishment for convicted rape offenders, particularly those found guilty of sexually violating toddlers and other vulnerable children.

The group made the call on Sunday during a media briefing in Abuja, where its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, warned that Nigeria is facing what he described as a growing epidemic of sexual violence against minors.

Onwubiko spoke against the backdrop of a controversial rape allegation involving a teenage girl from Oguta, Imo State, Felicia Ogbonna. The victim had earlier recounted her experience during a programme on Human Rights Radio hosted by activist Ahmed Isah.

According to the account presented during the broadcast, the teenager alleged that she was repeatedly raped by Emeka Uyaelumuo, also known as Dallas, while she was living with him and his family in Lagos where she worked as a domestic help.

She alleged that the abuse began in 2021 and continued over a period of time, with the suspect reportedly taking advantage of opportunities in the early hours of the morning to sexually assault her.

The victim further claimed that when she reported the alleged abuse to the suspect’s wife, who is related to her family, her complaints were dismissed and she was instead subjected to intimidation and physical abuse.

According to the account, the abuse continued until she was able to save some money and escape from the household.

She subsequently reported the matter to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Abuja and was referred to the agency’s Lagos office, although she claimed no concrete action followed at the time.

HURIWA said the disturbing allegation must be thoroughly investigated and warned against attempts to intimidate the victim or divert attention from the central issue of sexual abuse.

“We want decisive justice in this case. The allegation of rape involving a vulnerable young person is a grave criminal matter that demands diligent investigation. Any attempt to intimidate the victim or those supporting her will amount to secondary victimisation,” Onwubiko said.

While noting that the case resurfaced recently following renewed public attention, the rights group insisted that the focus must remain on ensuring that the allegations are properly investigated and justice served if the suspect is found culpable.

“The justice system must protect survivors, not frighten them into silence,” Onwubiko said.

The rights advocate expressed concern over what he described as the increasing number of cases involving the sexual abuse of children in Nigeria, some involving victims as young as two or three years old.

According to him, many incidents remain unresolved or poorly investigated, partly due to institutional weaknesses and the absence of a coordinated response from relevant authorities.

“We are expressing our deep concern that the relevant authorities, particularly the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, have not yet developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the menace of sexual violations of children,” he said.

The HURIWA coordinator therefore reiterated the organisation’s position that chemical castration should be introduced as punishment for convicted rapists.

“We believe that rapists who violate toddlers should face chemical castration. This measure will serve as a strong deterrent and ensure that such offenders cannot continue to harm other victims,” he said.

Chemical castration is a medical treatment that uses drugs to reduce or suppress a person’s sexual drive and sexual activity. It works by lowering the levels or blocking the effects of testosterone, the hormone largely responsible for male sexual desire.

Onwubiko also called for improved training for officers of the Nigeria Police Force to enable them handle rape cases professionally and sensitively.

He noted that many victims encounter hostility or negligence when reporting sexual violence, which discourages survivors from seeking justice.

“The police must focus on building the capacity of officers to investigate and prosecute rape cases professionally,” he said.

According to him, stronger laws, specialised courts and properly trained investigators are necessary to ensure that perpetrators of rape are swiftly prosecuted and survivors adequately protected.