As part of measures that will serve as deterrent to perpetrators and accord succour to potential victims, the Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has assented to the bill by the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer punishment for rapists and people who engage in sexual offences.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Israel Ebije, in a statement said other bills passed into law and assented to are the laws that provide for the constitution of Sharia Courts in Niger State and the law to establish the Niger State Livestock and Fisheries Institute.
The spokesman of the Niger State Governor intimated that the law seeking for stiffer punishment for rapists and sex offenders was necessary, adding that it will serve as deterrent to perpetrators and accord succour to victims.
Ebije said: “Once people are aware the gavel of the law will strike hard on them for rape, the ugly trend will reduce or completely stop. One major factor why cases of rape appears to be increasing in our society is the fact that laws are quite lenient on such despicable offenders.
“Governor Aliyu has never hiding his disdain for rapists and sex offenders. This law therefore properly reflects his desire to provide safety to the vulnerable in the society especially children who are repeatedly sexually molested.”
Ebije further stated that the law providing for constitutional framework for Sharia Courts in Niger State will go a long way in harmonising common basis for legal matters, adding that the law will serve as reference point for judges handling sharia related cases.