In a small classroom in Adogi, Nasarawa State, a soft voice recites the alphabet. Ruqayyah, now four years old, raises her hand with the excitement and innocence that comes with being a child discovering the world of learning. Yet, behind her bright eyes lies a story of profound resilience—a story that began with an unspeakable act of violence and continues to unfold in the shadow of justice delayed.
Four years ago, on May 27, 2020, Ruqayyah was just three months old when she became one of Nigeria’s youngest known victims of sexual violence. In the quiet suburb of Adogi, she was assaulted. The alleged perpetrator, a local man named Ahmadu Yaro, was arrested and confessed to the crime, sparking public outrage and a swift call for justice.
For Ruqayyah’s mother, Maimuna Aliyu, those days remain a blur of anguish and disbelief. “It felt like the world ended that day,” she recalls through an interpreter. Yet, even as her baby recovered physically, Maimuna’s fight was only beginning—a fight for justice that has dragged on for four long years without resolution.
Justice Delayed, Lives in Limbo
Initially, the case seemed destined for a swift resolution. The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) handed the matter over to the Ministry of Justice. Public officials vowed to see the suspect fully prosecuted of the law. However, the process soon slowed to a crawl.
“The suspect was paraded, and the case was filed,” explained DSC Jerry Victor of the NSCDC. Yet today, Yaro’s whereabouts are unknown, and the case remains unresolved. Legal delays and bureaucratic lapses have left the family in limbo, with little clarity on whether justice will ever be served.
Barrister Justina Alkali Alu of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice has worked on the case from the start. She described how defense lawyers raised questions about the suspect’s mental fitness despite his confession. “The argument was baseless,” Alu stated in 2022. “We contested it, but progress has been slow.” Recently, she confirmed that the presiding judge has yet to set a new hearing date.
The lack of accountability has fueled outrage among Adogi residents and activists alike. “If this case cannot be resolved, what hope is there for other victims?” asked Jacob Bala, a community leader.
A New Chapter for Ruqayyah
While the legal battle remains mired in delays, Ruqayyah’s story took an unexpected turn earlier this year. During a visit to her family, this reporter asked the little girl what she wanted most. Her response was simple: “I want to go to school.”
Touched by her words, arrangements were made to enroll Ruqayyah in a local school. For her mother, the decision marked a rare moment of joy in a journey fraught with pain.
“I didn’t think this day would come,” Maimuna said, holding back tears as she watched her daughter put on a uniform for the first time. “It feels like a new beginning for her.”
At school, Ruqayyah has blossomed. Teachers describe her as curious and eager to learn, a child who, despite her past, carries an infectious optimism. “She is very bright,” said her teacher, Mrs. Abike. “Every day, she shows us that she’s ready to move forward.”
Healing Through Education
Experts emphasize the transformative power of education in helping survivors of trauma rebuild their lives. Clinical psychologist Luka Dauda, who has worked with Ruqayyah’s family, explained that enrolling her in school is more than just a step toward academic learning—it’s a pathway to healing.
“For children who have experienced such profound trauma, school offers a sense of normalcy and hope,” Dauda said. “It creates a safe space where they can begin to reclaim their lives.”
However, Dauda also stressed the need for continued psychological support. “Survivors and their families often carry the burden of trauma long after the physical wounds have healed,” he said, urging policymakers to prioritize psycho-social services for victims of gender-based violence.
A Mother’s Enduring Hope
As Ruqayyah takes her first steps into formal education, Maimuna remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice. “I am grateful she is in school, but the pain is still there,” she said. “Every day, I ask myself, ‘Where is the man who did this to my daughter?’”
For Maimuna, the fight for justice is about more than retribution—it’s about ensuring her daughter grows up in a world where such crimes are not ignored. “I want her to know that what happened to her was wrong, and that people fought to make it right,” she said.
A Call to Action
Ruqayyah’s case underscores broader systemic challenges in addressing gender-based violence in Nigeria. In 2021, the National Human Rights Commission recorded over 158,000 complaints of sexual and gender-based violence, while studies show that six out of ten Nigerian children experience abuse before turning 18. Activists argue that delayed justice, as seen in this case, perpetuates a cycle of impunity.
Community leader Jacob Bala believes the government must take stronger action. “If perpetrators see that there are real consequences, they will think twice,” he said.
Looking Ahead
For now, Ruqayyah’s story is one of contrasts: a bright young girl beginning her education against the backdrop of an unresolved tragedy. Her mother holds onto the hope that one day, justice will catch up with the man who harmed her child.
Ruqayyah’s schoolbooks and pencils mark the start of a new chapter in her life—one filled with hope instead of pain. “She’s learning to read, to write, and to dream,” her mother, Maimuna, said with a mix of hope and caution. “No one can take that from her.”
As Nigeria continues to struggle with the problem of gender-based violence, Ruqayyah’s story is a reminder of the strength to keep going and the urgent need for justice. For her and her family, the fight isn’t over yet.