By Saheed Ibrahim, Aanuoluwapo Rotimi & Alice Omofia

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Spiritual fortification, acquisition of money and fame, as well as, vulnerability of victims have been fingered as the motive behind the recent upsurge in rape of old people
Traditionalists and psychologist declared this in seperate interviews with The Hope.
The Araba Ogboni of Ondo State, Chief (Dr) Stephen Ajayi; the Sapetu of Ero Kingdom, High Chief Adekunle Agbotifayo and Ayanle Awo of Oda town, Mr Ojo Olaniyi told The Hope that rape of old people for spiritual purposes had been in existence for a long time.
According to Chief Ajayi, young men do have sexual relationship with old women for two reasons; to get money from them or use them for rituals.
He said those who rape old and wealthy women do for power, money and fame.
He however revealed that regulations would not successfully detered unscrupulous youths from engaging in the shameful act.
“As for rape, the man may want to use the woman for ritual or need some parts of her body to do some powerful things.
“There is nothing that can be done to stop it because it had happened in the olden days, though not as rampant as it is now.
Also speaking on the appalling development, a traditionalist and Sapetu of Ero Kingdom, High Chief Adekunle Agbotifayo confirmed that women had been so for money everything that is happening now is not new because it has been happening since the olden days.
“However, those who engaged in the act then did it to gain spiritual powers but now, those who rape the aged do it for fame and money.”
In his submission, the Ayanle Awo of Oda town, Chief Ojo Olaniyi added that some men can rape older women for the fun of it, in addition to other reasons like money and spiritual power.
He however suggested that stiffer punishment should be instituted to punish those who engage in the devilish act in order to curb the menace in the society.
Moving away from the ritual narrative about rape of old women, a psychologist, Mrs Chinelo Olayimika revealed that other reasons for such heinous act can be the vulnerability of the women.
Mrs Olayimika noted that rape of old women was not limited to Nigeria, saying there were several reports indicating existence of the act in foreign countries like the US, UK and Scotland, although less common than rape of young people.
While citing extant reports, she stated that elderly women were raped by young men because they were weak and vulnerable, adding that the perpetrators may also use the opportunity to commit other crimes.
“I mean weak and seen as not sexually active and attractive, so they are usually raped along side other offences. For example, they are either beating up, their valuables stolen from them and then they are raped,” she said.
The psychologist also revealed that the criminal act may be perpetrated by strangers and acquaintances, saying those who are attracted to older women may be suffering from a disease called Gerontophilia, which refers to sexual preference for the elderly by young people.
“Older people are less sexually active, so they are not really sexually attractive, so people consider someone who prefers older partner to younger person as being sick”, she said.