Group advocates law to prosecute sex offenders

The Nigerian Girls Guides Association (NGGA) has urged the government to establish a law to prosecute any teacher culpable of sexual abuses in schools, saying this would serve as a deterrent for others.
  
The association’s Chief Commissioner, Mrs Maria Goretti- Sule lamented the high rate of sexual abuses in both primary and secondary schools, saying reports have shown that teachers were also involved.
 
Gorreti-Sule who spoke at the unveiling of the centenary banner of the association in Lagos, expressed optimism that if decisive measures are taken on those found guilty, such acts would be minimised.

“Take the case of the late Ochanya Ogbaje, the 13-year-old girl from Benue State, who was continuously raped by both father and son for five years until she gave up the ghost recently.
   
“It is just as sad as it is unacceptable. This is a case of outright violation of human right and we, as a nation must not let this wicked act go unpunished and severely so. There are laws in Nigeria against many of these things and it is usually the duty of the police to ensure that offenders are apprehended and punished.
  
“One of the biggest challenges we have is that people always think they can get away with crime and indeed do get away with crime, so they continue to commit these crimes.
  
The association’s Assistant National Project Commissioner, Mrs. Lilian Damie called on parents to always watch out for early signs of violence against their girl-child, saying this will assist in the fight against the ugly trend.
  
She reminded that education has a huge role to play in the fight against the girl-child and women.