News
Parents, Community Leaders May be Prosecuted as Accomplice in Cases of Rape and Incense should they Shield Violators, Says NAPTIP
Parents, Community Leaders May be Prosecuted as Accomplice in Cases of Rape and Incense should they Shield Violators, Says NAPTIP
By: Michael Mike
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi has warned communities against interfering in criminal prosecution of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), insisting that cases of rape and incense are no go area for family and community leaders.
Waziri-Azi also threatened that parents may be prosecuted as accomplices in cases of rape and incense if they should cover up for the violators of the children and wards.
The NAPTIP boss lamented that many cases of rape and incense were prematurely dropped due to pressures from families and communities which forced victims to withdraw their complaints.
He decried that there are several records of cases that could not be prosecuted as violators were allowed to go scot-free when complainants showed disinterest in prosecution as a result of pressure from families and communities.
He said NAPTIP would soon work on propagation of law that would make it a crime for parents and communities to shield violators of SGBV, prosecuting them as accomplice in a criminal act.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the commencement of FCT community dialogue and advocacy on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the Six Area Councils starting with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Waziri-Azi noted that the NAPTIP has recorded 1, 278 reported cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, (SGBV), in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), with spousal battery being the highest complaint in the last one year.
The DG said that “In 2023, NAPTIP received 1, 278 complaints of sexual and gender-based violence in the FCT and top of the list was spousal battery. Our data shows that spousal battery is an issue in the FCT and that was the same trend and pattern that we saw in 2022.
“We also had complaints bordering on abandonment, where either husband, wife or both abandon their children.
“Also, inflicting physical injury on children and on domestic staff has been seen to be on the increase in the FCT.”
She explains that rape is also on the increase but compared to 2022 where it was the third highest reported SGBV case, the 2023 statistics showed that it is now the fourth most reported case.
On the number convictions by the agency, she explains that “In 2023, we secured four convictions. We know how hard it is to investigate and prosecute SGBV cases but these four convictions were very stringent. We have two life imprisonment for the first time ever, 25 years imprisonment and 21 years imprisonment each without the option of fine.”
She notes that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, ( VAPPA), of which NAPTIP is empowered to implement in addition to its protecting victims of trafficking in persons not only protects women and children, but all persons including men hence the erroneous view in some quarters.
“Intuitively most times, when people hear about the VAPP Act they automatically think that it is to protect just women and children but it protects all persons including men and boys
“In the past two years, we’ve seen incremental reportage of violence against men so men are beginning to realize that the system is not just there for women and the Act also empowers NAPTIP to implement the provisions in the FCT.”
“NAPTIP has enforcement powers, has prosecutorial powers and has protective mandate victims of human trafficking and survivors of sexual and gender based violence.l,” she adds.
Speaking on SGBV against older persons, Director General National Senior Citizens Centre, NSCC), Dr. Emem Omokaro, said “Older persons face a lot of stereotype , prejudice and discrimination all because they are old,” and that has led to series of violence against them.
Director, Social Welfare and Gender, FCT Social Secretariat, Aisha Yusufari, said community leaders can settled minor disagreement among couples in the society but when it comes to issues of life threatening violence, rape and incest, perpetrators must be reported to the authorities for necessary actions.
Parents, Community Leaders May be Prosecuted as Accomplice in Cases of Rape and Incense should they Shield Violators, Says NAPTIP
Two Notorious Bandits Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u Killed rival clashes in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
In another blow to banditry in Zamfara State, two notorious bandits, Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u, have been killed in separate encounters with rival bandit faction of Dogo Geide.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Malama that Kachalla Idi Mai Randa, a known bandit leader responsible for multiple attacks in the region, was killed in an ambush laid by rival bandit Dogo Geide on Sunday evening.
The attack occurred following a series of violent confrontations between the two factions. Idi Mai Randa had previously led an attack that resulted in the killing of Gide’s boy, prompting him to vow revenge.
Idi Mai Randa’s death comes days after the killing of Ya’u, another notorious bandit who had been previously captured in Tsafe Local Government Area.
Ya’u, a close ally of Idi Mai Randa, had been implicated in numerous attacks and was believed to be in possession of significant weaponry. Although Idi Mai Randa denied any involvement with Ya’u’s weaponry, it is now confirmed that both he and Ya’u have met their Waterloo, with the story of their deaths reported from their emclave early today.
The troops of Operation Fansan Yanma in collaboration with it Air Component as well as federal security forces, continue to make significant strides in dismantling bandit in their hideouts in the region.
The joint effort has already resulted in the deaths of several high profile bandit leaders and the capture of important assets.
Two Notorious Bandits Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u Killed rival clashes in Zamfara
Military Repels retaliation attack in Tsafe after Killing Notorious Bandit Kachalla Jafaru
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) successfully repelled a retaliatory attack by bandits in Bilbis town, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in the midnight of Monday.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack followed the death of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Jafaru, who was killed during a recent military encounter with the terrorists in Bilbis.
Jafaru, known for his expertise in kidnapping for ransom and terrorizing communities, including Hayin Gada and Kunchin Kalgo. He was a brother to the infamous bandit leader Ado Aliero, who was on the top wanted list of the Nigerian military.
Sources revealed that after Jafaru’s death, Fulani bandits in the area mobilized to attack Bilbis in retaliation. However, security operatives were alerted and launched a counter-operation at about 11:30 a.m., engaging the bandits in a fierce gun battle that lasted until 4:00 p.m.
The military, with support from CJTF members, successfully thwarted the attack, neutralizing several bandits, injuring others, and recovering numerous motorcycles and weapons.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the security operatives transporting five bodies of bandits on motorcycles and one in a vehicle, along with other confiscated items.
Jafaru’s reign of terror had significantly disrupted several communities in Tsafe, with repeated incidents of kidnappings and extortion. His demise is seen as a major breakthrough in efforts to restore peace to the area.
Military Repels retaliation attack in Tsafe after Killing Notorious Bandit Kachalla Jafaru
Zulum Approves Contract for Road Dualization and Drainage System Construction
… To be Completed Within Four Months
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has officially awarded a contract to Obtuse Tech Engineering and Construction Company Ltd for the dualization of a 2.5km road and the construction of a 5km drainage system. This project, spanning from Budum Tandari Junction to Neital Shoe Factory through Kasuwan Shanu in Maiduguri, Borno State, is set to be completed in four months.
The contract, valued at ₦5,002,552,300.80, is part of the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve the transportation network within the state. The agreement was formalized with the Honorable Commissioner for Works and Housing Engr Mustapha Gubio, signing on behalf of the Borno State Government, while Umar Lawan, CEO/MD of Obtuse Tech Engineering and Construction Company Ltd, signed on behalf of the company.
The contract signing ceremony was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Abakar Bawari, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Engr. Kori Shettima, and staff from both the Borno State Government and Obtuse Tech Company.
Zulum Approves Contract for Road Dualization and Drainage System Construction
Two Notorious Bandits Kachalla Idi Mai Randa and Ya’u Killed rival clashes in Zamfara
Military Repels retaliation attack in Tsafe after Killing Notorious Bandit Kachalla Jafaru
Zulum Approves Contract for Road Dualization and Drainage System Construction
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