Benue State University, Makurdi

ARMED BANDITRY AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

Ahmed Rufa'i Usman
Federal University,
Dutse,
Jigawa State

Yusuf BalaRibah
Federal University,
Gusau,
Zamfara State

Geno Ardo
Sokoto State University,
Sokoto State

Abstract

The paper examined armed banditry and sexual violence against women in Zamfara state. Armed bandits are into sexual violence against women in Zamfara state. Women suffer from the activities of armed bandits operating across the state. The objectives of the study include: to find out how armed banditry subjected women to sexual violence in Zamfara state, to find out crimes committed and women's rights infringed by the armed bandits in Zamfara state and to proffer possible solutions to the challenges face by displaced women in Zamfara. The study adopted Radical feminism in the theoretical explanation. The study adopted qualitative technique of data collection. In-depth interview (IDI) was used as the source of primary date. The study was conducted in Gusau, the Zamfara state capital. The study population includes: displaced women, security agents, traditional and religious leaders, staff of the ministries of Women Affairs as well as Humanitarian Affairs.Purposive sampling technique was adopted and a sample of twenty (20) participants were selected for the study. Data collected were transcribed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that women were displaced, raped, molested and subjected to degrading treatment by the bandits. This has led to psychological trauma, social, physical and economic effects. The paper recommends among others, that government should provide medical facilities, drugs and personnel with aim of given special treatment and counselling to the victims of sexual violence. Perpetrators of sexual violence should be severely punished when caught to serve as deterrence to the larger society.

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE (CLICK)