Outrage has continued to grow in various parts of Nigeria over cases of murder and gang-rape of women in the last few days, with protesters taking to the streets and civil rights group calling for the offenders to be “brought to book”.
Demonstrations spread to cities including Benin, Lagos and Abuja and celebrities as well as public figures call on the government to put an end to sexual violence against women.
Violent crimes against women have been in the spotlight in Nigeria in the last few years. When Busola Dakolo shared her experience of sexual molestation by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA, it prompted hundreds of women to come out with their truth and demand for justice against rapist.
Protesters on Monday demanded a fast-track investigation in these cases, with anger mounting both on the streets and in parliament. In the Southern city of Benin, protests were held throughout the day, with protesters saying it was becoming difficult to sit back and watch silently.
Tragedy struck in Benin city on Saturday, May 30, 2020, when a 22-year-old 100 level student of the University of Benin, Uwa Vera Omozuwa, was gang raped and killed by four unknown men. This was while she was reading in a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in Benin City, where she was a congregant.. The late Uwa died from the injuries she sustained during the ordeal.
In Jigawa, Police authorities have arrested 11 men for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in the state. The men were said to have raped the victim on different occasions.
Furthermore on the repeated cases of violence, police authorities in Lagos say they have commenced disciplinary procedures against two indicted officers, an assistant superintendent of police and an inspector, over the murder of 16-year-old Tina Ezekwe. Ezekwe was killed by the trigger-happy duo of ASP Theophilus Otobo and Inspector Oguntoba Olamigoke over the weekend at the Iyana-Oworo area of Lagos State.
These rape and murder cases has raised an alarm especially with women in Nigeria who constantly face discrimination and violence on a daily basis. What makes it worse is that cases like these are reported, yet, no real justice is ever really done.
However, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has deployed additional investigation aids and forensic support to the Edo State Police Command to fish out those who raped Miss Vera Omozuwa, and killed her.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), the forensic support will complement and expedite actions in the ongoing investigations to arrest the suspects.
He said: “As part of deliberate and concerted efforts by the Nigeria Police High Command to unravel the circumstances surrounding the brutal attack and unfortunate death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa in Benin, Edo State, the Inspector General of Police has deployed additional investigation aids and forensic support to Edo State Police Command to complement and expedite actions in the ongoing investigations into the unfortunate incident.
Also, Ace music producer Don Jazzy, Genevieve Nnaji, YBNL act: Fireboy amongst other celebrities have condemned the gruesome killings of Vera Uwaila and Tina Ezekwe. These celebrities have used their platforms to react to these acts using the hashtag #JusticeforUwa and #JusticeforTina and equally called out rape apologist.
We can all agree that the violence against women needs to stop and we should all stand against it.
More protests across Nigeria
