Police record 250 rape cases in Gombe

No fewer than 250 rape reports have been prosecuted by the Gombe Police Command.

Confirming the upsurge in rape incidents in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Shehu Maikudi, revealed that the ages of the perpetrators ranged from 50 and above.

Maikudi disclosed this at the police command while briefing newsmen on the rate of criminal activities in the state, especially during the yuletide.

He added that most rape cases were caused by drug abuse and desperation for wealth, stressing the need for the state to partner teachers, religious and traditional rulers.

The CP explained that “from January to date, we have recorded 250 rape cases; usually, the perpetrators of these heinous offences are people above 50 abusing children of about three, five and six years old. This is what has been on the increase.

“The cases are still pending in court. Most times, when an arrest is made, parents tend to wash off incriminating evidence. About 200 suspects have so far been taken to court while over 10 cases are being prosecuted relating to sodomy from June till date

“We suspect either drug intake or ritual purposes as cause of the increase in rape cases.”