Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hafsat Mohammed Baba, has said that the pleading nature of the traditional rulers on behalf of rapists has also contributed to the slow down in the fight against rape in the state.
This was coming few months after the Commissioner disclosed that between January and May 2020, 485 rape cases were recorded at the sexual abuse referral centre in the state.
The Commissioner asserted this at the commissioning of International Federation of Women Lawyers’ (FIDA) office and launching of Magazine on Tuesday in Kaduna.
While speaking, the Commissioner decried the alarming rate of rape cases in the state, explaining that the increase in the cases is very disturbing.
“Three days ago, a girl was raped. And in must cases, you see the traditional leaders coming to beg on behalf of the perpetrators,” she said.
Also, the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice Muhammad Lawal Bello in his remark urged the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Kaduna state to scale up on its sensitization programs on the implications of rape in the society.
The Chief Judge averred that it will take a period of three years to get justice for victims of rape considering the legal process.
The wife of Kaduna state governor, Aisha El-rufai commended the efforts of Kaduna women lawyers for investing in service to humanity and social justice.
Aisha who was the keynote speaker of the event and also a lawyer disclosed that rape and child abuse is the greatest menace that the society must collectively fight.
The Chairperson of FIDA, Kaduna Branch, Zainab Atoba, had earlier called on government at all levels to support FIDA in its quest to invest more in the service to humanity and social justice.
