The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has said his administration will henceforth follow any reported case to a meaningful conclusion “no matter whose ox is gored.”
The Governor also revealed that the 19 Northern state governments are currently reviewing penal code in order to replace the obsolete punitive measures attached to cases of rape in the region.
He said distressed people can now reach the security operatives in the State through these numbers: 08064810576, 08050366625 and 08081708671 for prompt intervention.
El-Rufai, who spoke through his Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Samuel Aruwan, while briefing the members of Correspondent Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Council, lamented the unwholesome activities of rapists in the State, saying his administration will employ all legal means to deal with menace head long as a bill to that effect is currently been working upon by the state assembly. According to the governor, the issue of rape has even gone beyond adult as it used to be, but minors are now falling victim by the day.
He said, “The State government is given a lot of priority to security through multi dimensional approaches to nip the menace in the bud.
We have recorded success in the fight against kidnapping and other vices since this administration came on board. “One measure the government has taken is the will to ensure that all laws that related to issue of crime in the state including rape are strengthened by way of improving the capacity of the judiciary.
“Witness to justice bill is already been working upon. When finally signed into law, the bill will strengthen and protect people who have information regarding rape. As a government, we will continue to do our best to ensure safer Kaduna State.
“It may also interest you to know that the 19 Northern state governors are currently reviewing the Penal Code which will also address the issue of rape and penalties because some of the penalties contained therein are no longer stringent enough in this century,” he hinted.
El-Rufai further added that recently arraignment of one 27 Aruna Tukur, who allegedly rape a five-year-old girl is a proof that the state government meant business. He also cited a case of a woman who was specialized in organising minors for old men to abuse for the reasons best known to them, saying she will soon be arraigned in
court.
The governor then called on the media to join its massive public enlightenment on rape especially, to sensitize victims and mothers who found themselves in this situation so they can make it public without fear or favour because of the future of the innocent girls.
“The arraignment of a rapist is an indication that the government of the state is not happy with the madness. We are also investigating the reported bail granting to an accused person without been arraigned in court.
“The State government is appreciating the people of the state including the media for their involvement in managing the security of the state as success so far recorded has been made possible as a result of information provided by the locals,” he added.
