Nigerian Senate seeks stiffer penalty for rapists

Nigerian Senators have advocated stronger measures against rapists.

This issue was raised by Sen. Sandy Onor who cited Orders 42 and 52 and asked that the Senate condemn the rising incidence.

Recall that Miss Uwa Omozuwa, a 100 level undergraduate of the University of Benin was allegedly raped in a Pentecostal church in Benin City on the 27th of May, 2020.

Omozuwa later died at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) where she was taken for medical treatment.

In the same vein, a 16-year-old girl, Tina Ezekwe, was allegedly killed in Lagos when she was hit by bullets fired by policemen.

Also, a 12-year-old girl in Jigawa State was raped by 11 men.

Onor was supported by Senator Biodun Olujimi who stressed the need for authorities to prioritise the protection of the girl child.

Rape is real and we must not allow it to go on," Olujimi said in her submission.

Senator Akon Etim Eyakenyi said the particular issue of rape had been raised and spoken against severally in this Chamber. He advocated for a stiffer penalty for rapists.

“It is not just arresting the culprits and taken to the police station, the court and then sentenced to a few years of jail time that is enough. A severe penalty should be given to such culprits,” Eyakenyi said.

With the house in support, the Senate moved a motion to "condemn the killing of the girls and call for immediate arrest of the perpetrators;

"Observe a minute silence in honour of the two girls and others who have fallen victims of rape;

"Urge the FG to stage a campaign against the rape and violation of the girl child, and mandate security agencies to employ strategies to check the rising cases of rape."

Going further the Senate resolved to ensure the enforcement of the child rights act which includes forceful marriage, and urge the State’s Houses of Assembly to amend the code to make rape punishable.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan in his closing remarks said: “We need to make the punishment stiffer for those who aspire to be involved to save the future of these girls and women and the future of this nation.”