Updated:Protest Rocks Ibadan Over Rising Rape Cases, Gender-Based Violence

A coalition of National Youth Council of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, civil society organisations and human rights activists on Monday held a simultaneous peaceful protest in Ibadan, demanding justice for all the victims of rape and to put to an end to Gender-Based Violence in the state. GOALPOACHER NEWS correspondent who monitored the peaceful protest reports that the groups marched from the office of the National Orientation Agency to the state secretariat.

On her part, the Chairperson, National Orientation Agency, Oyo Chapter, Dolapo Dosumu who addressed the protesters, threw her weight behind the peaceful protest says it was a right step in the right direction. She noted that violence against women must be condemned in its entirety. She described the rise in rape cases, violence and abuse of women as unacceptable.
She urged government to get the perpetrators of the dastardly acts arrested and ensure they are brought to justice.

In similar vein, the Chairperson, Nigerian Youth Congress, Adebobola Agbeja, said the upsurge in rape cases and violence in Oyo State was becoming worrisome,hence the need for the peaceful protest. Adebobola added that the life of every girl-child is important and the need for government at all levels to provide adequate security for the safety of women in Nigeria. She called on lawmakers to review the bill against rape and abuse of women in Oyo state which would make the perpetrators face severe punishment which would serve as deterrent to others.

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has lent its voice to that of other Nigerians to protest the rape and killings of women in the country.

While receiving the student leaders on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Seun Fakorede, commended the students for the step taken to address the issues of rape and killings that have affected some of their fellow students and also for comporting themselves in a peaceful manner.

He condemned the dastardly acts and assured that the State government was leaving no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators.

Earlier, the NANS President, Daniel Akpan, who spoke on behalf of other students, advocated the enactment of laws that stipulate capital punishment for rapists, imploring the Governor to ensure that the perpetrators are made to face the full wrath of the law.

Akpan thereafter presented a position paper on the incessant cases of rape and killings in the country.

Two students, Barakat Bello and Azeezat Shomuyiwa were reportedly raped and killed in Ibadan last week by unknown persons.