Amidst the COVID-19 struggles and uncertainties happening all over the world, Nigeria has suffered not one but multiple inhumane acts that have led to the death of three young innocent girls in the country.
On Wednesday, May 27 2020, 16-year-old Tina Ezekew was shot dead by a police officer who according to reports, was aiming for the arrest of a bus driver who violated the nationwide curfew protocols. In the event of doing so, the undisclosed officer shot Tina dead. Unable to process the cause of death of Tina in modern day Nigeria, BET Award winner Wizkid Ayo shared “2020! naija police still dey kill Nigerians!” He added to the caption three broken heart emojis.
Inside Benin city, a 100-level Microbiology student Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, of the University of Benin was raped and beaten to death inside Ikpoba Hill branch of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Benin where she goes to study often. Evidence of the cause of death, which occurred on Saturday, May 30 was revealed by the deceased herself after she was rushed to the hospital soon after she was found helpless by the security personnel of the church covered in blood.
Responding to the death of Uwaila, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has issued a thorough investigation to be conducted in fishing out the culprits behind the crime. Special Advisor to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy Mr. Crusoe Osagie disclosed, “The governor is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa. We have been in consultation with the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, and have mandated thorough investigation of the matter to ensure that those who are responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.”
Aside the governor’s call for justice, renowned figures in the Nigerian creative arts space have used their social media platforms to express their distaste regarding the incident and rally support behind the many justice seekers. Genevieve Nnnaji shared in a tweet yesterday, “They either abuse their power, or have the power to abuse. In or out of uniform, we live in constant fear of men. Tina Ezekwe, Vera Omozuwa. Rest In Peace my darlings. We will get justice.”
Adding to the slate of injustices, a 12 year-old-girl is believed to have been raped by 11 men after an eye witness filed a complaint to the police that a 57-year-old Alh Zuwaih of Ma’ai village in Dutse local government was spotted at Limawa market trying to lure the victim into having sexual pleasures with him. In the investigations carried out by the police, eleven arrested suspects including Zuwaih have pled guilty to the charge.
“Jennifer was raped by 11 men. She is just 12 years old. 12 years old for goodness sake! What are we doing wrong that boys and men think that it is ok to continue violating girls and women in this manner,” wrote Rita Dominic in her social media address of all three reported cases.
Adding her voice to rising number of confirmed injustice acts in Nigeria, Tiwa Savage on her part started the #WeAreTired hashtag along with the message, “Let’s show these evil people that there is a consequence to their actions.” The move has amassed huge numbers on the platform in terms of people using it and retweeting to send the message.
