Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has given a directive for the opening of a sex offender register.
Speaking at a webinar on addressing sexual, gender-based violence and rape in Nigeria which was organised by Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, the Plateau State Governor who regretted that the problem of sexual violence and rape has taken alarming and disgraceful dimensions in Nigeria, said the sex offender register is aimed at ensuring severe punishment for the perpetrators and also to serve as deterrent.
He said;
‘One thing we take very seriously as a government is the prosecution of rape and sexual offenders. Following increase in rape cases in the country, I have directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to step up vigorous prosecution of offenders no matter their status.
‘Very soon, we shall open a Sexual Offenders Register where the data of convicted offenders shall not only be deposited, but their identity made public so that they are named and shamed. I believe that they are the ones that are entitled to stigmatization not their victims.’
Governor Lalong also directed the Plateau State Peace Agency to step up engagements with communities on the dangers of sexual and gender based violence particularly during crises, while pointing out that sexual and gender-based violence finds incubation in conflict areas where most women and children are at the receiving end.
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