Written by: Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru and Gloria Joacquim
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature, where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence are shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgment or stigmatization and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organization set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence, and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach that covers health, education, and community service initiatives.
WARIF aids survivors of rape and sexual violence through the WARIF Centre – a haven where trained professionals are present full time, 6 days a week including public holidays to offer immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psycho-social counseling, and welfare services which include shelter, legal aid, and vocational skills training. These services are provided FREE of charge to any survivor who walks into the Centre.
A 32-year-old Woman’s Journey of resilience and hope.
I was referred to the WARIF Centre for medical assessment, treatment, and counselling after reporting a harrowing case of sexual abuse to the police.
At the time, I had been working as a cleaner in a residential compound for nearly a year. Life felt stable, the environment quiet, and I carried out my duties each day with a sense of routine and purpose. That peace was soon disrupted.
Yinusa, the compound’s security guard, began making unsolicited sexual advances toward me not long after I started the job. I made it clear, again and again, that I wasn’t interested, hoping he would understand and stop. But he didn’t. Instead, he became more persistent, more invasive, refusing to respect the clear boundaries I had set.
Then, his behaviour escalated. He began to threaten me, saying he would do whatever it took to get what he wanted, even if it meant drugging my food or drink to overpower me.
Roughly a month after that chilling threat, I returned from work one afternoon, tired and thirsty. I drank from a bottle I had left behind earlier. Not long after, a strange dizziness came over me. My limbs felt heavy, and the world around me began to spin.
It was then that Yinusa appeared, laughing. He dragged me into the security room. I tried to fight him off, but I was weak. He shoved a cloth over my mouth, muffling my cries for help, forcefully removed my clothes, and raped me. Afterwards, he began begging for forgiveness, while promising it would never happen again. As the drugs wore off and I regained full awareness, I was overwhelmed with confusion and pain. Despite his pleas, I chose not to report him at that time because I just wanted to stay away from him.
Although I forgave him outwardly, I carried deep resentment, anger, and trauma inside me. I avoided him as much as possible. But two months later, while cleaning the premises one morning, I heard him crying out for help. I thought something terrible had happened, so I rushed into the security room, only to find that it was a trap.
As soon as I entered, Yinusa stopped crying and started laughing. He dragged me to his bed, and he forcefully undressed me, and said, “I knew I’d get you again.” He raped me a second time and he did not feel any sign of remorse like the first time. He beat me to submit and repeated the act a second time. All the while, he shoved a cloth into my mouth so no one would hear my cry for help.
I was able to remove the cloth from my mouth and screamed for help. I kept screaming even after the act, and thankfully, my cries attracted some neighbours. They barged in and saw him dressing up. I told them everything, including the first incident. The neighbours immediately took him to the nearest police station, where he was detained.
The police then referred me to the WARIF Centre for comprehensive medical and psychosocial care. At the Centre, I was warmly welcomed by a compassionate and professional medical team.
I particularly found strength in my counselling sessions. The counsellor helped me understand that what happened was not my fault, and that I had been manipulated and violated. She supported me through my healing journey, teaching me effective coping mechanisms to manage trauma and guiding me to process my emotions healthily.
She also invited me to WARIF’s Monthly Group Therapy sessions, where I connected with other survivors. There, I found healing, community, and a renewed sense of self-worth. Being at WARIF was truly an eye-opener for me because a painful experience turned into a blessing in disguise. I no longer struggle with the intense sadness, mood swings, sleepless nights, or fear that once consumed me.
My case has been charged in court, and I am confident that justice will be served. I have since moved on to a new job and enrolled in a vocational training program. My goal is to start my own cleaning business upon graduation.
To the WARIF Medical Unit, the counsellors, and the entire staff and management, I extend my gratitude. You are truly amazing. May God bless you for helping women like me find healing, hope, and a future.
*Real name of the Survivor changed for confidentiality
Dear Survivor, please know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Help is available. If you have been raped or know someone who has, please visit us at:
The WARIF Centre
6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba.
Or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on
0800-9210-0009
