The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on governments at all levels, security agencies, community leaders and parents to create a safer environment for girl-child across all ages.
NANS’ South-West, Deputy Coordinator, Oladimeji Uthman, made the call in a statement Wednesday in Lagos.
Uthman said that urgent attention needed to be given to the safe environment of every female student due to the constant rape and murder cases being reported in the country.
“Rape is ranked as one of the most traumatising vices that are hunting down the life and future of many youths, especially the female gender around the world.
“Justice is still being sought for Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a female Microbiology student of the University of Benin, who was found lying in a pool of blood at a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God after been allegedly raped and murdered by an unidentified gang of rapists.
“We have received, with great shock, disdain and agony, yet a new case of gruesome rape and murder of another student, Miss Bello Barakat, in Oyo state.
“Barakat, a student of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moore Plantation, Apata, Ibadan, was alleged to have been raped and killed by another set of unknown persons.
“The unwholesome and inhumane criminal act was carried out at the girl’s home where she lives with her parents,’’ the statement read in part.
According to the association, the leadership and entire members of NANS loudly condemn the evil and violent act meted on these innocent female students.
“We promise never to stop campaigning and pressuring until justice is found for our deceased members.
“It is the most unfortunate and horror scene to imagine how innocent and promising young ladies were devoured by a fellow human.
“We believe the government, through its various law enforcement agencies, is already making effort to investigate and serve justice as due.’’
The association reaffirmed that its leadership had resolved to continue to speak until the perpetrators of these heinous crimes were brought to book.
“We are aware that in other climes, these criminal acts attract capital punishment.
“We are, therefore, asking that such be immediately implemented as part of the Violence Against Persons (VAP) act.
“The wound of this evil against our members is deeper than what words can express.
“The leadership of NANS, South-West zone led by Kappo Olawale Samuel sympathise with the family of Miss Bello Barakat who is just a fresh ND1 student of the institution.’’
