My name is Jinga. I was born in the early 1890s somewhere in East-central Nigeria where it’s presently known today as “Gboko” the commercial capital and the second most visited town in Benue state.
As I grew up I found out that ignorance has no excuse for failure.
I wish the tears in my eyes could set my arms free from these chains but here I locked behind the bars where I can’t differentiate days and nights, I need more time but time can’t be borrowed.
I deserve no mercy because my karma has caught up with me, prisoners have now become my siblings, hard labor is my daily exercise, and dog foods my favorite, my voice and tears can’t reach the four cardinals of the earth. So this is my article for making amendments and I never wish anyone out there to be where I am now.
“SAY NO TO RAPE” Now I know better, women are so special and they don’t deserve this, they are unique, loving, and caring in nature they deserve the best from men, their “NO” should always be considered and treated especially.
Dear brothers out there, with a pain from my desperate heart full of noisy confusion in it like mice running over a squeaky floorboard I sorrowfully write to you from the depth of my heart with so much bitterness and I intended it to get to so many eras to come. “No means no, whether it’s said through tears of fear or whispered in the darkness. Consent is not negotiable, you should all know that Rape is not a mistake; it’s a crime. There are no excuses, no justifications. Respect boundaries, and honor consent. A person’s body is their own sacred space. To violate it is to rob them of their dignity, their autonomy, and their sense of safety. Therefore I say that, Rape is not a sign of desire; it’s an act of violence fueled by power and control. Let’s raise our voices to break the silence and end the cycle, Consent is not silence. It’s an enthusiastic ‘yes’ given freely and willingly. Anything less is a violation of human rights, We must teach our sons and daughters that no one has the right to take what isn’t freely given. Respect, empathy, and consent are the cornerstones of healthy relationships. You should all know that Rape is a betrayal of trust, a breach of the most fundamental human rights. Let’s stand together to dismantle rape culture and create a world where everyone feels safe and respected. Survivors of rape are not defined by their trauma but by their resilience, their courage, and their strength. Let’s support them, believe them, and stand with them in solidarity. Rape is never the victim’s fault. It’s a crime committed by the perpetrator. Let’s shift the blame where it belongs and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions just like WHERE I AM now. No one should ever have to live in fear of violence or coercion. Let’s work together to create a culture of consent, respect, and equality for all.”
I can’t even answer the questions that are angrily thrown at me by the prison officers now because I have seen my wrongness here in these four corners of prison and I always think I’m right.
Obviously, every indiscipline has its consequences.
“What happiness do you gain from raping?
-Do you care for the outcomes? Deaths, pains, and psychological trauma?” The prison officers furiously asked.
I may not answer this question but you can answer it out there in your minds, a particular lady does not accept you in her life doesn’t mean all the ladies don’t want you, another one is out there dying for you with sleepless nights, it has become so imperative for everyone out there to understand that when you misused sugar it’s sweetness has become as tasty as salt, sex was not created to make it by force.
If only my tears and regrets could save me from this situation and bring back Rita to life who was a victim to me but one cannot reverse time to correct the wrong they failed to control.
I’m a sinner and a murderer! I don’t know but the theologians say that “Our God is forgivable” My biggest prayer point now is that the light of God should guide and direct mankind on the right things to do…
To be continued…
