Aisha Buhari Calls for Enforcement of Law on Rape to Protect Women & Children

The Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has urged government at all levels to enforce the law on rape, to protect women and children in the country.

Aisha stated this when she received staff of the Ministry of Womens Affairs, UNICEF and National Population Commission, led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ezekiel Oyemomi.

The staff came to brief her on the plan to launch an action to end violence against children, slated for Sept. 15.

“We are aware of the national law on rape passed this year on May 25 (Prohibition Act 2015) which states imprisonment ranging from 12 to 20 years. I advocate for the enforcement of this law at all levels. Unfortunately, children are the most vulnerable, being exploited at different stages of their lives,’’ she stressed.

Aisha said it had become necessary for government and international organisations to pursue policies and laws to protect women and children against the act.

“A number of cases on violence against women and children are being reported on daily basis with the most alarming one of those happening in higher institutions of learning. These include sexual harassment and assaults of female students by lecturers as a result of lack of laws and appropriate actions against the perpetrators,’’ Aisha said.

She said the issue of the violence against children was dear to her heart and would do every possible to salvage the disadvantage situation of children and other vulnerable groups in the society.

“It is my hope that with this renewed commitment by agencies, necessary steps will be taken to end violence against women and children particularly where this is rampant.’’