The Muslim Communities in Benue state have cried out over increased rape cases in the state particular in their domain with a call on the state government to institute a family court for quick prosecution of cases and dispensation of justice.
President, Women Wing of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, (under the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs), Benue state Chapter, Mrs. Hauwa Isah made this call when she spoke with the Next Edition in Makurdi.
Isah who decried the height of moral decadence in the society lamented that the girl child has suddenly become an endangered specie in the same society where she ought to be protected by all.
She said: “There are a lot of rape cases in the community, particular, the muslim community in Benue.
“But it is most painful that some respected members of the community who are supposed to speak up against it and bring out the culprits are the ones shielding them.
“These are people who are married with children and are also learned but instead of fighting this common enemy and menace, they cover up for them.”
According to her, most of the rape cases have gone on without intervention from constituted authorities, hence her decision to table the issues before stakeholders at the Peace Architecture Dialogue, PAD, meeting for possible solutions.
PAD is a forum put together by an NGO working for peace and security in Benue, Search For Common Ground, whose members are drawn from state government, relevant MDAs, Security agencies, CSOs, traditional and religious leaders, community members among others.
Hauwa Isah cited the cases of a six year old girl, a double orphan, and another 16 year old girl who were raped recently among others saying “how can we have a peaceful community when people are busy raping our daughters.
“It’s not a peaceful society anymore when girls cannot move freely. So, we have taken it upon ourselves and whatever we are going to do to protect the lives of our children and give them a decent community, we are going to do it no matter the threats.”
She therefore called on government to institute a family court charged with the responsibility of prosecuting rape cases for immediate prosecution of culprits and quick dispensation of justice and action.
“Rape cases are not cases you delay on. When you allow a culprit to walk freely for two, three years, enjoying all what you are enjoying, then we are not fighting it but encouraging them,” she added.
