NAN-H-89
Minors
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, April 25, 2017 (NAN) Dr Eunice Abiola, the Coordinator, Hope Centre for Widows and Orphans, an NGO, has urged human rights groups to intensify efforts in curbing the rampant cases of rape against minors in the society.
Abiola, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday, decried the sexual abuse of women, especially minors.
She described the act as `barbaric and satanic,’ urging human rights groups to collaborate with government agencies in tackling the scourge through effective enforcement of existing laws and prosecution of perpetrators.
Abiola said that reported rape cases “represent only the tip of the iceberg because there is still widespread reluctance to report rape incidence to security operatives due to fear of stigmatisation.’’
“Even when reported, parents and relatives of parties involved sometimes resolve the matter and abandon their case.
“Such attitude should be discouraged if we really want to nip this criminal act in the bud; so there is need for sensitisation and awareness campaigns.
“Victims and their parents should desist from succumbing to pressure from the perpetrators but summon courage to report to security operatives for arrest and prosecution of any violator.
“Human Rights groups should also pursue rape cases with vigour and render necessary assistance to victims of rape,’’ Abiola said.
She said proper monitoring of female children was required as a result of the rampant cases of rape in the society.
Abiola also advocated life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of rape, saying rapists ought to be caged for life. (NAN)
DAK/FF/OJO
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Mufutau Ojo)