BY DAYO ADESULU
National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has expressed their displeasures toward the incessant incidents of rape in the country, adding that capital punishment for rapists is the solution.
In a release, it’s Global President, Danielson Bamidele Akpan frowned at the present punishment for rapists, adding that the Nigerian constitution needed a stiffer punishment for rapists that would serve as a deterrent to others.
He said: ”NANS is completely displeased with the current penalty for rapists in the purview of the country’s law, hence, demands a swift review in this regard.
” I am therefore calling on the government, especially the legislative arm of government to, as a matter of urgency enact a law with Capital punishment as a penalty for rapists in the country.
”I solemnly believe that with stringent and harsh penalties, the prevalence of rape cases in the country would be mitigated to the barest minimum
”While we are grappling with the sad reality of the untimely demise of Bello Barakat, I received the sad news of the murder of Azeezat Shomuyiwa, a Postgraduate student of the University of Ibadan which also occurred in Ibadan.
” I, therefore, implore and charge the Nigerian Police Force to deploy the vigour and seriousness in the case of Uwa in that of Barakat and Azeezat.
”May I charge his excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the executive governor of Oyo state to rise to the occasion and protect the lives and properties of his people which he swore to as first responsibility
” I wish to strongly warn against incessant rape cases targeted at Nigerian students, as such acts will not be condoned by NANS under my leadership. I would be inaugurating NANS Anti-rape committee across campuses of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory as an approach from my office to check and curb the excesses of the ungodly act of rape. A nationwide protest will also be staged in the coming days.
”Let me conclude by informing Nigerian students globally and concerned general public that I have been in touch with relevant authorities in ensuring that the investigation processes of Omozuwa’s, Barakat’s and Azeezat’s cases are not swept under the carpet, and it is my promise not to be deterred until the culprits are brought to book.
”We received in rude shock the news of the murder of 19-year-old Miss Barakat Bello, who until her death was a student of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Apata, Ibadan. She was killed around her home a couple of days ago after an attempt by her marauding enemies to rape her.
”I have since resolved to lead a walk in Ibadan to campaign against the rising spate of insecurity in the state and the country and to also campaign against rape and all forms of violence against the girl-child (sexual violence) in the country while campaigning that the culprits be made to face the full wrath of the law.
I therefore on behalf of our prestigious Association state as follows;
” The world is yet to recover from the murder of George Floyd by law enforcement agents. We commend the resolve of Americans and the global community; standing in Solidarity with the family, lending their voices in unison and accentuating that Black Lives Matter. ”I maintain that Nigerian students worldwide stand in solidarity with the struggle for justice for Mr Floyd and the emancipation of black people.
”NANS will therefore no longer tolerate any act by persons, within or outside our campuses, that violates the sanctity of life of a citizen or ends abruptly, the life of any student.
”Our women must be protected everywhere; whether as a girl child, mother or wife. No man anywhere should aid, abet or from their most sadistic illusion justify acts of sexual harassment. We, therefore, condemn, in the strongest possible terms, anyone or anything that encourages rape or justifies same.
”I use this medium to extend the association’s condolence to the deceased family, the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Apata community and indeed, the Oyo people over the loss. I pray that God Almighty gives the family of the deceased, the institution and Oyo people, the fortitude to bear the loss.
”Consequently, I call on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant law enforcement agencies in the country to speed up the investigation process on those behind the dastardly act and to bring them to book.”
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