Anglican Prelate appeals for speedy trial of rape cases
Anglican Bishop, Diocese of the Niger West, Right Reverend Johnson Ekwe, has appealed to the judiciary to expedite action and ensure quick dispensation of justice in cases involving rape.
He asserted that the law must no longer be lenient with perpetrators of rape at all levels in the country to serve as deterrent to others with such evil intentions.
Right Reverend Ekwe made the appeal during first session of the 4th Synod of Province of the Niger, Diocese of Niger West, held a Saint Peter’s Church, I Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government.
The Synod with the theme: “Enthroning The Majesty of God’’, reminded Christians that they were created in God’s image and as such, should take dominion over His creation.
Bishop 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 deal with perpetrators.
He also noted that incessant rape cases were mainly perpetuated in tertiary institutions as well as within religious environments, and called on the Federal Government to set up agencies in all institutions of learning, where victims of rape could easily go to report such incidents.
The Bishop informed that a survey carried out on rape in Nigerian universities, it was discovered that in one of the top Federal universities, 100 per cent of rape and sexually harassed victims were female students.
According to him, of that number, 67 per cent did nothing after they were raped, 33 per cent made some kind of feeble reports to friends and course advisers, while others made reports to their parents or guardians.
He observed that some victims keep quiet due to lack of confidence in the system, which could lead some of them to resort to self-help in resolving sexual molestations.
On the recent communal clashes between Omor and Umumbo communities in Ayamelum Local Government, the Bishop Ekwe lamented loss of lives and property in the crisis.
He noted that no fewer than 50 lives were lost, while a Church and hospital belonging to the Province of Niger, were also affected.
While commending Governor Willie Obiano for efforts made to resolve the crisis, Bishop Ekwe called for heavy security presence in the areas to restore peace.
Dignitaries and religious leaders across the state were present on the occasion.
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