Ireti Doyle: Rape has always been a part of our society

Iretiola Doyle, Nollywood actor, says the scourge of rape has always been a big problem in the Nigerian society and the world at large.

Doyle, while speaking with Saturday Beats, noted that rape is not necessarily on the increase, rather, “people are now talking about it”.

While advocating “castration” for serial rapists, she maintained that the world is not tough enough on rape cases.

“In Nigeria, as in almost everywhere in the world, I do not think that rape cases are handled properly often times. What makes it worse for us in Nigeria is that in advanced countries, they have strict laws and most times, the law is enforced and justice is done.

“In Nigeria, we have laws in place but are they enforced as they should be? I don’t think so. But I am happy that there is a lot more conversation about it.

“People tend to think that rape is on the increase but I don’t think so; I think it has always been a part of our society but you are hearing a lot more about it now because people are talking about it.

“That veil of secrecy has been removed and the more we talk about it, the more we blow the whistle against the offenders. Eventually I think we would get it right. We need to put stronger laws in place and enforce them and justice must be done.

“When you hear about a law that castrates rapists, you may think it is extreme but when you think of the ripple effect, the damage that rape causes not just to the victims but people around them, you might want to rethink. I think that the punishment should be hard especially for repeat offenders.

“Maybe if you are a first time offender, the law might give you room for rehabilitation but if you are a repeated offender, they should cut off your manhood.”