Comments on: Grace Ushang’s Assault and Death Remain Inexcusable http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/ Are we listening? Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:03:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Nneoma Nwachuku http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-365 Nneoma Nwachuku Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:32:50 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-365 @sokari - Yes, the indecent dressing laws do serve as a form of violence in that they target women who are assumed to bring down the fall of society through dress. As for the location of the assault, it was not far from the hostel designated for corpers. Ushang simply went out in the evening for supper, since NYSC does not provide such amenities. Again I agree with the comments made on your blog that if NYSC, and by extension, the govt cannot protect its volunteers in such volatile areas, then certain sites should be banned. However, I personally feel the assault of Ushang could very well have been carried out in any other part of Nigeria, due our insensitivity to cases of sexual assault. Remember, Ekaette comes from Ushang's neighboring state, which demonstrates the pervasiveness of such attitudes towards women. "Men feel they are entitled to women's bodies..." I would go on to say, that in our country, a woman's body is not her own, as evidenced by the government's attempt to legislate women's dress. @Bakare - From what I last heard, Ushang's attacker's remain at-large. I linked to an article from 234NEXT which indicates that a number of govt officials have expressed their outrage at this incident. However, in this same article, one representative dared to use this occasion to present his/her grievances about the NYSC women's uniform. Fortunately, such proposal was shot down. @Omosi T - I hear your sarcasm, but unfortunately, your comments ring true for certain segments of the population. @Lolobloggs - Quite possibly so...which reinforces the argument that such NYSC postings are unsafe for women. @sokari – Yes, the indecent dressing laws do serve as a form of violence in that they target women who are assumed to bring down the fall of society through dress. As for the location of the assault, it was not far from the hostel designated for corpers. Ushang simply went out in the evening for supper, since NYSC does not provide such amenities. Again I agree with the comments made on your blog that if NYSC, and by extension, the govt cannot protect its volunteers in such volatile areas, then certain sites should be banned. However, I personally feel the assault of Ushang could very well have been carried out in any other part of Nigeria, due our insensitivity to cases of sexual assault. Remember, Ekaette comes from Ushang’s neighboring state, which demonstrates the pervasiveness of such attitudes towards women.
“Men feel they are entitled to women’s bodies…” I would go on to say, that in our country, a woman’s body is not her own, as evidenced by the government’s attempt to legislate women’s dress.

@Bakare – From what I last heard, Ushang’s attacker’s remain at-large. I linked to an article from 234NEXT which indicates that a number of govt officials have expressed their outrage at this incident. However, in this same article, one representative dared to use this occasion to present his/her grievances about the NYSC women’s uniform. Fortunately, such proposal was shot down.

@Omosi T – I hear your sarcasm, but unfortunately, your comments ring true for certain segments of the population.

@Lolobloggs – Quite possibly so…which reinforces the argument that such NYSC postings are unsafe for women.

]]> By: Nneoma Nwachuku http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-1889 Nneoma Nwachuku Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:32:00 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-1889 @sokari - Yes, the indecent dressing laws do serve as a form of violence in that they target women who are assumed to bring down the fall of society through dress. As for the location of the assault, it was not far from the hostel designated for corpers. Ushang simply went out in the evening for supper, since NYSC does not provide such amenities. Again I agree with the comments made on your blog that if NYSC, and by extension, the govt cannot protect its volunteers in such volatile areas, then certain sites should be banned. However, I personally feel the assault of Ushang could very well have been carried out in any other part of Nigeria, due our insensitivity to cases of sexual assault. Remember, Ekaette comes from Ushang's neighboring state, which demonstrates the pervasiveness of such attitudes towards women. "Men feel they are entitled to women's bodies..." I would go on to say, that in our country, a woman's body is not her own, as evidenced by the government's attempt to legislate women's dress. @Bakare - From what I last heard, Ushang's attacker's remain at-large. I linked to an article from 234NEXT which indicates that a number of govt officials have expressed their outrage at this incident. However, in this same article, one representative dared to use this occasion to present his/her grievances about the NYSC women's uniform. Fortunately, such proposal was shot down. @Omosi T - I hear your sarcasm, but unfortunately, your comments ring true for certain segments of the population. @Lolobloggs - Quite possibly so...which reinforces the argument that such NYSC postings are unsafe for women. @sokari – Yes, the indecent dressing laws do serve as a form of violence in that they target women who are assumed to bring down the fall of society through dress. As for the location of the assault, it was not far from the hostel designated for corpers. Ushang simply went out in the evening for supper, since NYSC does not provide such amenities. Again I agree with the comments made on your blog that if NYSC, and by extension, the govt cannot protect its volunteers in such volatile areas, then certain sites should be banned. However, I personally feel the assault of Ushang could very well have been carried out in any other part of Nigeria, due our insensitivity to cases of sexual assault. Remember, Ekaette comes from Ushang’s neighboring state, which demonstrates the pervasiveness of such attitudes towards women.
“Men feel they are entitled to women’s bodies…” I would go on to say, that in our country, a woman’s body is not her own, as evidenced by the government’s attempt to legislate women’s dress.

@Bakare – From what I last heard, Ushang’s attacker’s remain at-large. I linked to an article from 234NEXT which indicates that a number of govt officials have expressed their outrage at this incident. However, in this same article, one representative dared to use this occasion to present his/her grievances about the NYSC women’s uniform. Fortunately, such proposal was shot down.

@Omosi T – I hear your sarcasm, but unfortunately, your comments ring true for certain segments of the population.

@Lolobloggs – Quite possibly so…which reinforces the argument that such NYSC postings are unsafe for women.

]]> By: LoloBloggs http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-362 LoloBloggs Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:06:26 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-362 Ever since I heard this story something about it doesn't ring true. In all honesty, I agree with Nneoma and I find it strange we somehow know the 'reason' Grace was attacked but not who did it. My personal leaning is that the dress code issue was brought in by a misogynist do-gooding local official who feels it an appropriate excuse. What concerns me is that this attitude is potentially why they haven't reported the making of any arrests or even the general local harrassment that comes with police supposedly investigating a crime. Grace's attackers are sick. Their reasons are their own, but the hijacking of reasonable cause based on dress code is definitely a national disease we need to cure fast! Ever since I heard this story something about it doesn’t ring true. In all honesty, I agree with Nneoma and I find it strange we somehow know the ‘reason’ Grace was attacked but not who did it.

My personal leaning is that the dress code issue was brought in by a misogynist do-gooding local official who feels it an appropriate excuse. What concerns me is that this attitude is potentially why they haven’t reported the making of any arrests or even the general local harrassment that comes with police supposedly investigating a crime.

Grace’s attackers are sick. Their reasons are their own, but the hijacking of reasonable cause based on dress code is definitely a national disease we need to cure fast!

]]> By: LoloBloggs http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-1888 LoloBloggs Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:06:00 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-1888 Ever since I heard this story something about it doesn't ring true. In all honesty, I agree with Nneoma and I find it strange we somehow know the 'reason' Grace was attacked but not who did it. My personal leaning is that the dress code issue was brought in by a misogynist do-gooding local official who feels it an appropriate excuse. What concerns me is that this attitude is potentially why they haven't reported the making of any arrests or even the general local harrassment that comes with police supposedly investigating a crime. Grace's attackers are sick. Their reasons are their own, but the hijacking of reasonable cause based on dress code is definitely a national disease we need to cure fast! Ever since I heard this story something about it doesn’t ring true. In all honesty, I agree with Nneoma and I find it strange we somehow know the ‘reason’ Grace was attacked but not who did it.

My personal leaning is that the dress code issue was brought in by a misogynist do-gooding local official who feels it an appropriate excuse. What concerns me is that this attitude is potentially why they haven’t reported the making of any arrests or even the general local harrassment that comes with police supposedly investigating a crime.

Grace’s attackers are sick. Their reasons are their own, but the hijacking of reasonable cause based on dress code is definitely a national disease we need to cure fast!

]]> By: Omosi T http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-352 Omosi T Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:01:10 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-352 Didn't you know that women bring everything on themselves? Society has nothing whatsoever to do with it *rolls eyes* Didn’t you know that women bring everything on themselves? Society has nothing whatsoever to do with it *rolls eyes*

]]> By: Omosi T http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-1887 Omosi T Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:01:00 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-1887 Didn't you know that women bring everything on themselves? Society has nothing whatsoever to do with it *rolls eyes* Didn’t you know that women bring everything on themselves? Society has nothing whatsoever to do with it *rolls eyes*

]]> By: Bakare Nurudeen http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-351 Bakare Nurudeen Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:11:30 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-351 Where are the killers of Grace Ushang (the recently murdered youth corps member in Borno State)? I have not heard of any police investigation initiated (be it original or counterfeit) on this matter! What is happening for God sake? But we cannot continue like this! We cant just continue like this! Are there no human right lawyers again? Is the Senator representing the area where the lady hailed from actually sensible? Dont they have House-of-Rep member from the area? Who are they representing? Her state governor too appeared to be silent. What about the academic community in her school ... Read morethat sent her name to NYSC for mobilization? If her parents are poor, shouldnt they be supported to acheive justice on this ugly incident dat can make a parent sad for life? My fellow Nigerians, this is total heartlessness. Something must be done. Where are the killers of Grace Ushang (the recently murdered youth corps member in Borno State)? I have not heard of any police investigation initiated (be it original or counterfeit) on this matter! What is happening for God sake? But we cannot continue like this! We cant just continue like this! Are there no human right lawyers again? Is the Senator representing the area where the lady hailed from actually sensible? Dont they have House-of-Rep member from the area? Who are they representing? Her state governor too appeared to be silent. What about the academic community in her school … Read morethat sent her name to NYSC for mobilization? If her parents are poor, shouldnt they be supported to acheive justice on this ugly incident dat can make a parent sad for life? My fellow Nigerians, this is total heartlessness. Something must be done.

]]> By: Bakare Nurudeen http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-1886 Bakare Nurudeen Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:11:00 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-1886 Where are the killers of Grace Ushang (the recently murdered youth corps member in Borno State)? I have not heard of any police investigation initiated (be it original or counterfeit) on this matter! What is happening for God sake? But we cannot continue like this! We cant just continue like this! Are there no human right lawyers again? Is the Senator representing the area where the lady hailed from actually sensible? Dont they have House-of-Rep member from the area? Who are they representing? Her state governor too appeared to be silent. What about the academic community in her school ... Read morethat sent her name to NYSC for mobilization? If her parents are poor, shouldnt they be supported to acheive justice on this ugly incident dat can make a parent sad for life? My fellow Nigerians, this is total heartlessness. Something must be done. Where are the killers of Grace Ushang (the recently murdered youth corps member in Borno State)? I have not heard of any police investigation initiated (be it original or counterfeit) on this matter! What is happening for God sake? But we cannot continue like this! We cant just continue like this! Are there no human right lawyers again? Is the Senator representing the area where the lady hailed from actually sensible? Dont they have House-of-Rep member from the area? Who are they representing? Her state governor too appeared to be silent. What about the academic community in her school … Read morethat sent her name to NYSC for mobilization? If her parents are poor, shouldnt they be supported to acheive justice on this ugly incident dat can make a parent sad for life? My fellow Nigerians, this is total heartlessness. Something must be done.

]]> By: sokari http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-350 sokari Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:14:27 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-350 What this story tells me is that rape and violence against women as a whole remains a secondary issues across Nigeria. Forcing women to dress in a certain way is itself a form of violence as it comes with threat of punishment if one transgresses. Thank goodness the NYC uniform for women was not changed - this is not the sort of protection I envisaged as you say rightly it would fail to deal with the underlying issue which is the status of women in Nigerian society and what men feel they are entitled to do to women. I dont know where the rape took place but if it was on campus why were these men free to come and go but ultimately the protection lies in the attitude towards the crime by the NYC authorities and local police to seek out the rapists and murderers. By claiming they cannot protect women they are saying they cannot be bothered to pursue the perpetrators of this crime. Do we imagine for one minute that this is the first rape in the history of the NYC in any region of the country - I doubt it. Nonetheless in those parts of the country which have in my opinion illegally instated Sharia law I would not wish to serve - because by insisting on total cover up of women - the law intentionally or otherwise sanctions physical and sexual aggression against anyone who does not comply whether by the security forces or the general public. Entitlement to touch, to harass, to insist on sex in exchange for jobs, education and so on - rape is the extreme on a spectrum of sexual harassment which is not outside society's acceptable mores. Sexual abuse is committed because men feel they are entitled to women's bodies and they can get away with it for one thing by claiming she "asked for it" by the way she did this or that including dress. Society's response to the raped woman is to stigmatise her rather than the rapist. What this story tells me is that rape and violence against women as a whole remains a secondary issues across Nigeria. Forcing women to dress in a certain way is itself a form of violence as it comes with threat of punishment if one transgresses. Thank goodness the NYC uniform for women was not changed – this is not the sort of protection I envisaged as you say rightly it would fail to deal with the underlying issue which is the status of women in Nigerian society and what men feel they are entitled to do to women. I dont know where the rape took place but if it was on campus why were these men free to come and go but ultimately the protection lies in the attitude towards the crime by the NYC authorities and local police to seek out the rapists and murderers. By claiming they cannot protect women they are saying they cannot be bothered to pursue the perpetrators of this crime. Do we imagine for one minute that this is the first rape in the history of the NYC in any region of the country – I doubt it. Nonetheless in those parts of the country which have in my opinion illegally instated Sharia law I would not wish to serve – because by insisting on total cover up of women – the law intentionally or otherwise sanctions physical and sexual aggression against anyone who does not comply whether by the security forces or the general public.

Entitlement to touch, to harass, to insist on sex in exchange for jobs, education and so on – rape is the extreme on a spectrum of sexual harassment which is not outside society’s acceptable mores. Sexual abuse is committed because men feel they are entitled to women’s bodies and they can get away with it for one thing by claiming she “asked for it” by the way she did this or that including dress. Society’s response to the raped woman is to stigmatise her rather than the rapist.

]]> By: sokari http://nigerianstalk.org/2009/10/22/grace-ushangs-assault-and-death-remain-inexcusable/comment-page-1/#comment-1885 sokari Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:14:00 +0000 http://nigerianstalk.org/?p=365#comment-1885 What this story tells me is that rape and violence against women as a whole remains a secondary issues across Nigeria. Forcing women to dress in a certain way is itself a form of violence as it comes with threat of punishment if one transgresses. Thank goodness the NYC uniform for women was not changed - this is not the sort of protection I envisaged as you say rightly it would fail to deal with the underlying issue which is the status of women in Nigerian society and what men feel they are entitled to do to women. I dont know where the rape took place but if it was on campus why were these men free to come and go but ultimately the protection lies in the attitude towards the crime by the NYC authorities and local police to seek out the rapists and murderers. By claiming they cannot protect women they are saying they cannot be bothered to pursue the perpetrators of this crime. Do we imagine for one minute that this is the first rape in the history of the NYC in any region of the country - I doubt it. Nonetheless in those parts of the country which have in my opinion illegally instated Sharia law I would not wish to serve - because by insisting on total cover up of women - the law intentionally or otherwise sanctions physical and sexual aggression against anyone who does not comply whether by the security forces or the general public. Entitlement to touch, to harass, to insist on sex in exchange for jobs, education and so on - rape is the extreme on a spectrum of sexual harassment which is not outside society's acceptable mores. Sexual abuse is committed because men feel they are entitled to women's bodies and they can get away with it for one thing by claiming she "asked for it" by the way she did this or that including dress. Society's response to the raped woman is to stigmatise her rather than the rapist. What this story tells me is that rape and violence against women as a whole remains a secondary issues across Nigeria. Forcing women to dress in a certain way is itself a form of violence as it comes with threat of punishment if one transgresses. Thank goodness the NYC uniform for women was not changed – this is not the sort of protection I envisaged as you say rightly it would fail to deal with the underlying issue which is the status of women in Nigerian society and what men feel they are entitled to do to women. I dont know where the rape took place but if it was on campus why were these men free to come and go but ultimately the protection lies in the attitude towards the crime by the NYC authorities and local police to seek out the rapists and murderers. By claiming they cannot protect women they are saying they cannot be bothered to pursue the perpetrators of this crime. Do we imagine for one minute that this is the first rape in the history of the NYC in any region of the country – I doubt it. Nonetheless in those parts of the country which have in my opinion illegally instated Sharia law I would not wish to serve – because by insisting on total cover up of women – the law intentionally or otherwise sanctions physical and sexual aggression against anyone who does not comply whether by the security forces or the general public.

Entitlement to touch, to harass, to insist on sex in exchange for jobs, education and so on – rape is the extreme on a spectrum of sexual harassment which is not outside society’s acceptable mores. Sexual abuse is committed because men feel they are entitled to women’s bodies and they can get away with it for one thing by claiming she “asked for it” by the way she did this or that including dress. Society’s response to the raped woman is to stigmatise her rather than the rapist.

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