By Yakubu Uba
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Media practitioners on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against the increasing cases of rape in Adamawa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesters, who marched along major streets of Yola,visited Government House, Ministry of Justice, Police Headquarters and the State Assembly,where they presented letters to the Governor, Speaker, Chief Judge, Police Commissioner, State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
Speaking while presenting the letter to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri at the Government House, spokesman of the coalition, Yusuf Amos, said that the increasing incidents of rape was a source of concern that needed urgent action by all stakeholders.
“We are here to raise a voice against the increasing number of rape in Adamawa; little girls and boys are being raped and nothing is being done.
“That is why CSOs have come together to raise awareness, to demand justice for rape victims.
“It is time to stop rape, it’s no longer time for silence; no rapists should be allowed to roam our streets,no matter how highly placed,” Amos said.
Also speaking, the Convener of the Coalition Against Rape, Asmau Joda, said that the content of the letter,which demanded for justice for rape victims, urged key stakeholders to ensure speedy dispensation of justice for rape victims.
“We want the police to make sure that rape cases are no longer taken to Magistrate courts, but to High courts, being the most appropriate courts.
“The letter also contained the lists of 27 people raped, including two, three, four and eight year-old victims,” Joda said.
In his remarks, Gov. Fintiri assured the coalition of his administration’s commitment to take the fight to logical conclusion.
“Rape cases would be followed to logical conclusion and I will monitor the cases personally to ensure that victims get justice,” Fintiri assured.
Representative of Police, ACP Umar Didango,and that of Ministry of Justice, Mr Yusuf Manasah, who received the protesters at the police headquarters and Ministry of Justice respectively, assured them of the commitment of the police and the ministry of justice to work with the coalition in ensuring justice for rape victims.
