Traditional rulers in Anambra State have joined in the call for stiffer penalties against rapists.
The traditional rulers made their minds known to journalists at the Government House, Awka, while reacting to the rising incidence of Rape in the country.
Among traditional rulers who spoke on the issue was the traditional ruler of Alor in Idemili North local government, Igwe Mac Anthony Okonkwo, who advocated stiffer punishments for culprits to serve as deterrent to others.
Igwe Okonkwo who condemned rape in its entirety, urged parents and caregivers not hesitate to report incidence of Rape to appropriate authorities so that pepetrators will be brought to book.
He described as taboo, the situation where father rapes his own daughters, pointing out that rape of any kind is condemnable.
Also reacting to the issue, the traditional ruler of Eziowelle also in Idemili North local government, and his Owelle Ancient kingdom counterpart in Anambra West as well as the traditional ruler of Akwaeze, in Anaocha Council Area, Igwe Christopher okpala expressed worries that Rape cases are on the increase country especially in recent times, and called on parents to take adequate care of their children and wards.
The traditional rulers further urged parents and guardians to desist from sending their children on errands during wee hours to guard against activities of mischievous people including rapists.
The Royal Fathers called on the legislature to come up with stiffer laws that will guarantee justice for victims.
On the issue of maltreatment of widows, the Royal Fathers were of the opinion that Civil and Criminal laws must be made to address and prohibit domestic violence, sexual assault, forced marriage and property grabbing among others, to protect the rights of women and girls, provide a legal remedy, promote accountability as well as mount checks against prospective perpetrators.