Religion
THE Anglican Bishop, Diocese of the Niger West, Rt. Rev. Johnson Ekwe, has pleaded with Nigeria’s judiciary to expedite the process of delivery of judgments in cases involving rape.
“The law must no longer be lenient with perpetrators of rape at all levels in the country; this will serve as deterrent to others with such evil intentions,’’ he said.
Speaking during the first session of the 4th Synod of Province of the Niger, Diocese of Niger West, held at St. Peter’s Church, Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA), Ekwe lamented the increase in cases of rape across the country, urging victims to speak up and report to appropriate authorities to enable the law to fish out the perpetrators.
Referring to the theme of the Synod “Enthroning The Majesty of God’’, the bishop reminded Christians that they were created in God’s image and as such, should take dominion over His creation.
He noted that incessant rape cases are mainly perpetuated in tertiary institutions as well as religious environments.
The bishop called on the Federal Government to set up agencies in every institution of learning, where victims of rape could easily go to report such incidents.
“In a survey carried out on rape in Nigerian universities, we discovered that in one of the top Federal universities, 100 percent of rape and sexually harassed victims were female students.
“Of that number, 67 percent did nothing after they were raped, while 33 percent made some kind of feeble reports to friends, course advisers and others made reports to their parents or guardians.
“We found out as well that some people kept quiet because they do not have confidence in the institutions that will champion their causes.
“This lack of confidence can make students and the larger societies begin to resort to self-help in the resolution of incidences of rape and sexual molestations in all strata of lives,’’ Ekwe said.
In the recent communal clash between the Omor and Umumbo communities in Ayamelum LGA, the Bishop lamented the loss of lives and property in the crisis.
He noted that no fewer than 50 lives were lost, as well as a Church and hospital belonging to the Province of the Niger.
While commending Gov. Willie Obiano for efforts he had made to resolve the crisis, Bishop Ekwe urged the government to deploy heavy security to the areas to restore peace.
– Jul. 7, 2020 @ 10:05 GMT |
Tags: Anglican Prelate appeals for speedy trial of rape cases
