From Priscilla Ofunre, Ado-Ekiti
The Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State on Monday, had, as part of actions aimed at reducing the incidences of rape, defilement and child trafficking in the state, held a sensitization programme to fight the scourge in the state.
During the public procession, the unions expressed sadness at the increasing rate of rape, defilement, teenage pregnancy and child abuse in the state, saying strong actions must be taken to stem the tide and protect the rights of the children.
The procession, which was part of the activities lined up for the 2019 NUJ press week, took off at the NUJ’s office located at Oke Bareke, Ado-Ekiti and moved down to Irona Market, Atikankan, Okeyinmi junction, Okesa and Fajuyi areas of the capital city.
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Addressing the people, the chairperson of FIDA, Mrs Seyi Ojo, advised those with uncontrollable libidos to be cicumspect of their actions, saying the laws are already in place to decisively deal with such individuals.
“Ekiti had sought amendments to the Gender Based Violence Prohibition Law to include life jail for rape offenders, instead of the usual five years jail term.
“The punishment also include medical castration and publishing of names and photographs of offenders and even suspects on the state’s website to notify the world about their evil deeds.
“We hear of one rape incident everyday and how children under five years were being defiled by old men. This is unacceptable and it must stop”, she said.
The NUJ Chairman, Ekiti Council, Com. Rotimi Ojomoyela, said it sounds incredible and appalling , for a 50 year old man to be having sex with a minor.
“Some men even get worse by committing incest, having sex with their own daughter and even going to the extent of impregnating her. Ekiti is a land of honour and integrity, this sordid scenario should not be allowed to continue”.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Com. Sola Adigun, urged parents to comply with the government’s directives that all children of school age must be registered in school.
“Don’t make children slaves by asking them to hawk during the school hours. This can expose them to sexual molestation or deprive them of education. Monitor your children movements and don’t allow anyone you can’t trust to take them away for sexual slavery”, he said.