By Lola Seriki- Idahosa
As the menace of rape in Kaduna State
bites harder, the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has said his administration
will henceforth follow any reported case to a meaningful conclusion no matter
whose ox is gored.
The Governor also revealed that the
19 Northern state government is currently reviewing penal code in order to replace
the obsolete punitive measures attached to cases of rape in the region.
He said distressed people can now
reach the security operatives in the State through these numbers: 08064810576, 08050366625
and 08081708671 for prompt intervention.
El-Rufai, who spoke through his
Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Mr. Samuel Aruwan, while briefing the
members of Correspondent Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna
Council, lamented the unwholesome activities of rapists in the State, saying
his administration will employ all legal means to deal with menace head long as
a bill to that effect is currently been working upon by the state assembly.
According to the governor, the issue
of rape has even gone beyond adult as it used to be, but minors are now falling
victim by the day.
He said, “The State government is
given a lot of priority to security through multi dimensional approaches to nip
the menace in the bud. We are recording success in the fight against kidnapping
and other vices since this administration came on board.
“One measure the government has taken
is the will to ensure that all laws that related to issue of crime in the State
including rape are strengthened by a way of improving the capacity of the
judiciary.
“Witness to justice bill is already
been working upon. When finally signed into law, the bill will strengthen and
protect people who have information regarding rape. As a government, we will
continue to do our best to ensure safer Kaduna State.
“It may also interest you to know
that the 19 Northern state governors are currently reviewing the Penal Code
which will also address the issue of rape and penalties because some of the penalties
contained therein are no longer stringent enough in this century,” he hinted.
El-Rufai further added that recently
arraignment of one 27 Aruna Tukur, who allegedly rape a five-year-old girl is a
proof that the state government meant business. He also cited a case of a woman
who was specialized in organising minors for old men to abuse for the reasons
best known to them, saying she will soon be arraigned in court.
The governor then called on the media
to join its massive public enlightenment on rape especially, to sensitize
victims and mothers who found themselves in this situation so they can make it
public without fear or favour because of the future of the innocent girls.
“The arraignment of a rapist is an
indication that the govt of the state is not happy with the madness. We are
also investigating the reported bail granting to an accused person without been
arraigned in court.
“The State government is appreciating
the people of the state including the media for their involvement in managing
the security of the state as success so far recorded has been made possible as
a result of information provided by the locals,” he added.
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