#GirlChildDay: We must address rising cases of fathers raping daughters, says minister

Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, says there has been an increase in the cases of fathers raping daughters in Nigeria.

According to NAN, Tallen said this on Tuesday at the state of the Nigerian girls summit (SONGS) held to commemorate the 2022 International Day of the Girl Child, in Abuja.

The international day of the girl child is celebrated annually on October 11.

Speaking at the event, the minister expressed concern over the increased level of rape and violence against girls in the country, adding that there should be improved efforts to ensure protection of girls.

“Some of these girls are dying in silence and we must do everything possible to identify and address some of these problems by getting closer to them,” she said.

“We receive in the ministry daily — and I am sure commissioners can testify at the state level — cases where fathers rape their daughters.

“It is very sad; it is an abomination. It is unacceptable. But in case it happens, please girls, speak out more.”

Tallen added that the ministry has commenced a sensitisation campaign on school enrollment of adolescent girls to senior secondary level.

She added that the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act have been inaugurated to eliminate cases of child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.

She urged survivors of any form of violence to break the silence to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.