Is Rape Caused By Devil? -By Edikan Ekanem

Edikan Ekanem

It has become a usual plea in courts and words of apology by rapist to the general public that “it is the devil’s handwork” for them to have committed the offence of rape. In is not also a strange development that all wicked acts are attributed to devil which there is no doubt about that.

The situation of rape keeps deteriorating as most victims of these sexual defilements and abuses are minors who are not able to distinguish their left from right. It has also become noticeable that most persons in places of authorities that ought to be protecting rape victims are turning to become vicious sexual predators.

Reports permeate the country as school teachers, religious leaders, political officers and even security officers are guilty of misuse of their offices, committing commit sexual offences raising later raising the plea and defence of “devil’s handwork” for the committed offence.

For the purpose of this work, these questions should be borne in mind. Does it mean that the devil has become the alpha and omega in some persons’ life? Does it mean that humans do no longer have the ability to resist the devil? As sons of God, are all things no longer possible including the ability to resist and overcome the temptation of committing the offence of rape?

Raising the defence and plea of “Devil’s handwork” is to no effect because it will not by any way nor by any means justify the offence committed neither will it exonerate the offender of the punishment that follows the committed offence. Such plea is mere shameful, clueless and unstained defence that does not hold water.

It must be noted that an offences of rape can never come by chance; they are always planned and strategized. Legally, for an act to amount to an offence (which rape is inclusive), the actus reus (the physical element) and the mens rea (mental element) must be present to constitute the offence. It therefore means that with the presence of the “mens rea” which is the “intent”, a rapist always desire to commit or achieve his goal of rape.

Scripturally, the metamorphosis of sin (including rape) is clearly described at James 1:14, 15 which states as follows: “But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death”. The above scripture has conformed to the above legal provision.

If the desire of rape is comes to mind, can’t it be discarded? It is so true that Devil can enter an individual’s heart to commit a sin as he did to Eve, Judas etc, but is it conclusive? Can the individual not resist the temptation? Does it mean that the spirit of self-control in men does no longer exist?

James 4:7 admonishes: “Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you”. It is clearly seen that men can still fight Devil and its immoral desires and win. If young and vibrant Joseph of old rejected a free sex offer by his mistress (Potiphar’s wife), what reasons do men then have to be chasing women as a he goat in heat period?

Humans are not robots to be controlled be exclusively controlled by Devil, there is still a very great possibility and ability to control our actions and feelings as per sex. What will it benefit a man to be struggling with a woman who is not psychologically, emotionally and mentally ready for sex in the name of pleasure?

More so, canvassing that indecent dressing by ladies has contributed to the increment on the number of rape cases and victims is not false but it does not in any way justify the offence of rape. Though indecent dressing is not encouraged, no man has is entitled to take advantage of the improperly dressed one even if they walk the streets naked.

A man who allows his feelings to control him at all time is like a ship in the ocean without a sailor which will definitely get wrecked. If we should allow our feelings to be controlling us at all time, how then will we make reasonable and proper decisions in life? A man who cannot control his feelings is not fit to live.

Lest we forget, the offence of rape is still a grave offence in the Nigerian criminal jurisprudence and is punishable under section 357 of the Criminal Code Act with the wages of life imprisonment. Anyone who helped in commission of the offence has become a party to the offence and he is punishable under section 7 of the Criminal code.

Rape victims should put off the shame and trauma that comes with the assault and report the perpetrators to the appropriate authority for proper prosecution and conviction in order to deter others. Rape is a crime; it is an offence against the state. We can no longer be causing lasting pains to others at our own volition and later attribute the action to Devil.

If someone is possessed, let him go to church for deliverance, if he is insane, he should be taken to asylum for proper treatment than walking the streets to harm others and attributing it to the Devil.

Fellow Nigerians, let us rise and say no to rape and other Sexual offences because our action today will hunt us tomorrow.

Thank you.

Edikan Ekanem is a student of University of Uyo, a contemporary writer and a columnist. He can be reached at 08130015006 or eddy4jah@gmail.com