Rape: Emir, groups advocate castration of rapists

The Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello and women groups in Zamfara State have advocated the castration of convicted rapists, even as a rights group, Human Rights Commission, says it has recorded 10 new rape cases in the state.

Speaking during an occasion to mark 2020 international Day for the Elimination of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence held in Gusau on Saturday, the Zamfara State coordinator of Human Rights Commission, Abdullahi Abubakar lamented the recent rape and killing of a housewife in the state.

According to him, it was disheartening that rape cases have become a major social problem. “In Zamfara, 10 cases of rape were recorded by our commission; a recent case of Damba is an example. We have sat with traditional rulers and religious leaders against rape on ways to stop the act.”

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Also speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Lawal Gummi, who represented the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Aisha Matawalle, disclosed that during the recent lockdown period, women were raped on so many occasions.

She appealed to the three tiers of government to take necessary action against those engaging in abuse of women in the state.

“This is a day for every woman. We must speak against violence against women in the country; enough is enough,” she said. She urged traditional rulers, particularly emirs to ensure they pass the message to the people in their domains that violence against women should be stopped.

The Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, applauded the women groups in their unrelenting struggle to stop rape cases.

The emir revealed that lack of specified laws had made rapists not to desist from the crime. “I, therefore, suggest the castration of anybody found committing rape against women. The government should address the issue of poverty, this might be the reason girls become vulnerable when hawking to support their families.

Legal action against those violating and abusing women should be considered with seriousness,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Usman Nagoggo, assured women groups that he would always stand for them, and “police would not tolerate rape.” He maintained that when a woman is disgraced the whole world is a disgrace.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE