Beware: Rape and killing of young girls are on the rise.

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Daily, we wake up to the news of a young girl raped or killed in Nigeria and everyone seems clueless about what to do to stem this tide. Everyone especially girls now live in fear of possibly being the next victim and it appears there's no end in sight.

A girl told me recently that "It's hard being a girl in Nigeria" and I understand her reason for saying this. What else does anyone expect from a young girl faced daily with reports of one form of gender-based violence, gender bias and discrimination to think?

Do we have to wait for more cases before we act?

a. Parents or guardians, start taking the issue of protecting your children seriously. Teach them early

to open up to you about whatever bothers them and stop sending them to buy things at

night or to lonely places unaccompanied by an adult.

b. Stop trusting people with your girls. It is often those you trust that hurt them.

c. Teach the girls contentment to avoid being lured with little things such as sweets.

d. People should start looking out for others. When you suspect something about another person's

child, it is important to let that child's parent or guardian know.

e. Government at all levels should be more involved in saving the lives of the girls.

f. Religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders, should use their medium to inform people.

g. Dont leave your marriage or relationship without making a safe arrangement for the children

especially the girls as more incest cases are recorded daily.

Remember

Support for victims of rape is important and should be everyone's collective responsibility.