Nigerian students protest against cases of rape, violence against women

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

The National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), on Monday embarked on a protest against rape and killing of the victims, a development   which is now becoming rampant and unchecked by the authorities in the country.

Penpushing reports that, National President of the students’ body, Comrade Daniel Akpan led the rally held at   major markets in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital and thereafter converged on the Governor’s office, advocating 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.

“We are not satisfy with the state of insecurity, we are dissatisfied with the spate  at which crisis, violence is rising, we are dissatisfied with the rate at which our members are becoming victims on a daily basis. I mean, death is the climax of everything. If we can have record of deaths, then we need to sit up and readress the problems that we have at hand”,he said

Penpushing further reports that, Akpan, however presented a position paper, on behalf of Nigerian students, on the incessant cases of rape and killings in the country, to the Governor.

The coordinator of Oyo State Office of the National Orientation Agency,( NOA), Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu, in her remarks noted that violence against women must be condemned in its entirety, describing the rise in rape cases, violence and abuse of women as unacceptable.

Penpushing also reports that, in similar vein, the Chairperson, Nigerian Youth Congress, Adebobola Agbeja, said the upsurge in rape cases and violence in Oyo State was becoming worrisome, stressing that the life of every girl-child must be seen as important, and there is  need for government at all levels to provide adequate security for the safety of women in Nigeria.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Seun Fakorede, while receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde,  commended the students for the step taken to address the issues of rape and killings that have affected some of their fellow students.

Penpushing reports that, the governor also praised them for comporting themselves in a peaceful manner, condemning the rape acts and assuring that the State government was leaving no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators.

“I can assure you that with the reception of this position by you, everything that ought to be done to make sure that we bring justice for all the people who are victims of these unfortunate incidences would definitely be done.” he said

“We didn’t have to wait for this before the State government moved into action. As I speak, work is going on in the House of Assembly on enacting a Law that will definitely attend to everyone that is found wanting, especially when itu comes to murders or rape cases, such as this,” he added.