House of Representatives’ Committee on Women has advocated death penalty for rapists, saying capital punishment for anyone who rapes will eliminate the increase in the illegal act.
National Assembly Correspondent Joke Adisa reports that Africa’s 34 per cent prevalence rate of child sexual abuse makes it the highest in the world.
Findings from a National survey on Violence Against Children in Nigeria confirmed that one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in
childhood.
Although there is no verifiable statistics yet, cases of rape have been on an alarming increase in recent times in the country. Lawmakers said only the death penalty can curb the ugly trend.
They also decried the decrease of women in elective offices and call for increased sensitisation and support
Nigeria will join other countries of the world to celebrate this year’s Women’s Week, next week, and the Committee is hoping to use it as a platform to address the challenges women face while also appreciating their contributions to nationhood.
Recall that Oluremi Tinubu, senator representing Lagos central; and Thompson Sekibo, senator representing Rivers east; had in July this year, advocated death sentence for child rapists.
The senators moved for the penalty while contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored by Rose Okoh, senator representing Cross River north, on Tuesday.
