Oshiomole Advocates For Stronger Penalties Against Rape Convicts

The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for
stiffer penalties for persons convicted of rape, defilement and other forms of
child abuse to serve as a deterrent to others. He said this was necessary so
that rape will be drastically reduced through out the Federation. Here’s what the
governor said.

“We have discussed this, time and again at our Executive
Council meetings. And at a point, we asked the Attorney-General to review the
laws such that the number of years a convict gets will commensurate with the
severe nature of rape and defilement.We are concerned; we have discussed this and we have a
feeling that the number of reported cases are on the increase. We also know
that, because of the nature of our environment, there will be several others
that may not even be reported at all.

“When you look at the sheer number of rape cases that are
recorded, it is clear that across the country both rape and defilement cases
are increasing. Therefore, this calls for tougher measures on the part of those
strengthening the law and providing for stiffer and harsher punishments than
what is currently obtained and to also ensure that the few cases that are
reported are properly prosecuted with a view to securing conviction.”