International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Rape has freely penetrated many societies across the world, including Nigeria. Despite being a severe crime, the scourge is fast becoming a grievous crime that harms the victims’ physical and mental health in Lagos State, Nigeria. In spite of this precarious occurrence, there is dearth of knowledge on the institutional responses to rape in Lagos State. Objectives: This study interrogated the effect and limitations of the Lagos State government’s measures in curbing the menace of rape in Lagos State.
Method: This study employed a descriptive research design using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Using purposive sampling technique, 105 respondents out 14,920,049 estimated population of Lagos State (NPC, 2022), were administered copies of the questionnaire and few selected for interview (KII and IDI) sessions. Total of (99) copies of the questionnaire were retrieved back, while (12) oral interview sessions were successfully conducted. The validity of this study’s instruments were ensured through expert review and pre-testing, while the data collected were presented using tables, frequencies, and percentages for quantitative findings, and thematic narratives for qualitative interview responses. Findings: The result of the findings revealed that Lagos State measures against rape had positively enhanced the socio-security network for rape victims, promoted rape complaints’ confidence and easy access to rape victims, but did not enhance prosecution of rapists, nor did they reduce rape occurrence in the State; and factors such as inadequate synergy between security agencies and Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDVA), lack of forensic equipment to collect concrete evidence against rapists, and inadequate feedback from the prosecution process were the limitations of the government responses.
Conclusion: The study concluded that Lagos State measures against rape have positive effects on rape victims’ well-being, but limited effects to deter rapists.
Unique Contribution: Recommendations: The study recommended that institutional capacity should be strengthened towards the investigation, prosecution, and conviction of rapists to serve as a deterrent for other intended rapists.