Iniubong Umoren: Over 2000 Akwa Ibom women match in solidarity

No fewer than 2000 women in Akwa Ibom state have taken a solidarity match in protest against the gruesome murder of late Iniubong Umoren on Wednesday.

The women, who took over Uyo metropolis were heard singing dirge and chanting, “we want justice for Iniubong”, “justice for one is justice for all,” “no more rape, no more gender violence,”

They also carried placards with inscriptions that says “#Stand in Solidarity with Akwa Ibom State women and demand justiceforIniubongUmoren,” “#Rape is a crime punishable by law” among others.

The women matched from Ibom Connection which is the epic point of Uyo metropolis down to Nuwana Iba, then moved to Willington Bassey way leading to Government House.

The solidarity walk was led by the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Mrs Felicia Bassey, the state Chairman of International Federation of Women Lawyer (FIDA), Barr. Emem Etteh, among others.

Addressing the crowd at Willington Bassey Way, the wife of governor, Dr Martha Emmanuel, assured them of justice on the death of Umoren including other issues of rape and domestic violence in the state.

“I am pained about the brutal murder of our daughter, Iniubong Umoren and all others. We have done everything we could to stop the menace of harassing our children, mothers and sisters, but, it seems we are doing nothing.

“For this singular act, we are saying enough is enough. Iniubong has paid the final price this will not happen again and I want to tell you that this monster and all the accomplice will not go unpunished,” he said.

The First Lady, who was emotionally engulfed, lamented that the suspect has committed murder and rape, and the case cannot be overlooked.

She said all others nursing similar dastarded act when caught must face full portion of justice.

She also commended the efforts of the state government of and the Police Force for their prompt response in the case.

On her part, the State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mrs Felicia Bassey, decried the injury done to the family of late Iniubong Umoren, stressing that the crime must be seriously dealt with.

She urged the women to leverage on the law against gender base violence and report any act of harassment to appropriate authorities for swift action

The Commissioner Women Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, lamented that cases of sexual molestation and harassment have taken a high crescendo and must be dealt with.

She charged women to unite together and fight a common cause, stressing that they should show concerne especially people who have suffered gender based violence.

Speaking also, the Chairperson of FIDA Barr Emem Ette said the organisation would continually defend women.

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