Sokoto, GBV, aminu tambuwal, NSCDC, UNICEF,
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
Worried by the ever increasing incidences of Gender Based Violence (GBV) especially rape and sodomy in Sokoto State, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mr Muhammad Saleh Dada has submitted that perpetrators of such despicable acts and those coming for their rescue are mentally retarded.
Mr Muhammad Dada who spoke whem members of the Sokoto State Gender Based Response Team (GBVR Team) paid him a courtesy visit in his office, opined that there should be stiffer penalty for those engaged in such acts to deter others.
“Perpetrators of GBV, and rape as well as those coming to rescue them are mentally retarded. I consider attitudes of GBV very disgusting”
Giving example from how he was emotionally disturbed when he saw a 64 years old man, that raped a 4 years old, the Sokoto NSCDC Commandant wondered if its not been done for some metaphysical reasons.
“I cried seeing 64 years old man raped a 4 years. Raping seems to have become a habit for some peole here. It seems thay are using it for voodoo. With all the prostitutes around, useless men senselessly go after minors”.
While noting that he would never compromise cases of rape because he has female children as well, Mr Muhammad Dada gave his total support to the fight against GBV.
“I will never compromise issues of GBV, even if it is to cause me my seat”.
Looking at the alarming rate at which cases of rape is on the increase in Sokoto, the Commandant, however, adbised that Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal should ensure stiffer penality for perpetrators in the state as the only way of deterring others.
“Incidences of rape cases in Sokoto is alarming. We record these cases almost on daily basis. Rape and other forms of GBV are those offences that touch emotions. Penalties for rape cases in Sokoto is not stiff which is why people engages in rape”.
Speaking earlier before presenting a laptop donated by Spotlight Initiative, through UNICEF, Mr Pius Uwamanua, the Sokoto Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF alongside members of the State Gender Based Response Team said, appealed for more collaborarion from all stakehokders towards ending
Mr Pius Uwamanua Sokoto UNICEF Child Protection Specialist presenting the laptop donated by Spotlight Initiative to Sokoto Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Muhammad Salah Dada.