An Examination of Factors Responsible for the Prevalence of Child Rape in Jigawa State, Nigeria

This study examines the underlying factors responsible for the prevalence of child rape in Jigawa State, Nigeria, as well as its effects and the efforts made by both government and communities to address the menace. The objectives of the study are to: explore the causes of child rape, assess its effects, evaluate institutional responses, and suggest measures to curb the problem. The study is anchored on the Routine Activity Theory developed by Felson (1986), which posits that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian converge. This theoretical lens helps to explain how everyday patterns and lack of guardianship contribute to the vulnerability of children. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, comprising both quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) data collection across the three senatorial districts of Jigawa State. A total of 999 respondents completed questionnaires, while 12 individuals participated in interviews. Data analysis involved the use of SPSS for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. Findings revealed that child rape is highly prevalent in Jigawa State, with key factors including parental negligence (95.0%), lack of punitive measures (91.0%), street hawking (83.3%), and poor law enforcement. The consequences for victims are severe, ranging from psychological trauma to unwanted pregnancies and death. The study concludes that child rape remains a critical issue fueled by social and institutional failures. It recommends stronger legal enforcement, improved parental supervision, public sensitization, and community involvement as key strategies for mitigating the problem.