My name is Muyibat, and I am 20 years old. This is my story.
I live with my Aunt Aminat and her family in Lagos while my parents are retired in my village. I finished my secondary education in 2021, and I took a stopgap for a year to learn a skill. In 2022, while working as an apprentice at my boss’s shop, a man named Damilola approached me on my way to work. He persistently asked me to be his girlfriend. I initially refused but eventually gave in after repeated persuasion.
About two months later, Damilola invited me to his house, and I refused to go, he assured me of safety because he sensed I was uncomfortable visiting his apartment alone. I chose a public place where we always meet after work. About six months later, I felt uncomfortable with his relationship, so I reported to my aunt, who followed me to see him and told him to stay away from me because I was a minor.
Shortly after this incident, the perpetrator left the neighborhood. I did not see or hear from him for nearly a year. However, in 2024, he resurfaced. I received a call from an unfamiliar number, and it was Damilola. He threatened me, demanding I continue the relationship and warning me that he would kill me if I told anyone.
Damilola told me he got an extra line, so if I reported the call, he would switch off and no one could trace him, and he would trail me and kill me. He reminded me that everyone knows he has moved out of the environment, and I should cooperate or die. After work, he met me along the way, he forced me to a hotel near my workplace on three separate occasions. He had sexual intercourse with me three times and further threatened me before allowing me to go.
Fortunately for me, after I returned home from work after the third time, Damilola called again. This time, my aunt answered the phone, recognized his voice, and confronted me. After she repeatedly questioned me and assured me that no evil would happen to me, I finally felt comfortable and told her everything. I also gave her the second number Damilola used to contact me. Acting quickly, my aunt and her friend tracked Damilola to the hotel near my workplace, they asked me to lure him out that I was waiting for him at the hotel reception, and they caught him with the help of the security aide, and they took him to the police station where he was arrested.
After the arrest, I was referred to the WARIF Centre for medical care and counseling. At WARIF, I received comprehensive support, including medical treatment, laboratory tests, and psycho-social counseling all free of charge. The counselors at WARIF provided a safe space for me to share my experiences. They reassured me that the abuse was not my fault and helped me process the trauma. Through their guidance, I learned healthy ways to cope with my emotions and rebuild my confidence.
I was asked to join the monthly group therapy sessions. Participating in group therapy sessions at WARIF was particularly impactful. Being surrounded by other survivors helped me realize I was not alone. The support from the group and the counselors restored my sense of self-worth and gave me hope for the future.
The case was charged to court, and I am determined to see justice served. My journey to healing is ongoing, but I am in a much better place emotionally, mentally, and psychologically, thanks to the care and support I received at WARIF. I have recently gained admission to study Computer Engineering at one of the Federal Government Universities in the Southwest.
I am deeply grateful to the WARIF team for helping me regain my strength and reclaim my life.
-End-
* The real name of the survivor changed for confidentiality
Dear survivor, please know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Help is available. If you have been raped or know someone who has, please visit us at:
The WARIF Centre
6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba.
or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on
0800-9210-0009
For questions or more information please contact: [email protected]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Comments are closed.