Governor Nasir El-Rufai

Gov. Nasiru El-rufai of Kaduna State has declared a state of emergency on rape in the state

El-rufai, represented by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, made this known on Friday.

He said that the state government took the decision because of the increase in rape cases, especially on minors in the state.

The governor said his administration would follow any reported case to its logical conclusion no matter who was involved.

According to him, people can now reach the security operatives in the state through these numbers: 08064810576, 08050366625 for prompt intervention.

He said that the 19 Northern governors were currently reviewing the Penal Code to replace the obsolete provisions with punitive measures on cases of rape in the region.

He decried activities of rapists, saying his administration would employ legal means to deal with menace head long.

He said that an executive bill would be sent to the House of Assembly on the issue.

According to him, the issue of rape has even gone beyond adult as it used to be, but minors are now falling victim by the day.

He said, “the state government is giving a lot of priority to security through multi-dimensional approaches to nip the menace in the state,

“ We are recording success in the fight against kidnapping and other vices since this administration came on board.

“One measure the government has taken is the will to ensure that all laws that related to issue of crime in the state, including rape are strengthened as way of improving the capacity of the judiciary.

“Witness to justice bill is already being worked upon and will strengthen and protect people who have information regarding rape.’’

He said that the arraignment of a 27-year-old, Aruna Tukur, who raped a five-year-old girl, was a proof that the state government meant business.

He said the woman who specialised in organising minors for old men to abuse for the reasons best known to them would soon be arraigned in court.

The governor urged the media to partner with the government to sensitise victims and mothers who found themselves in this situation to make it public.

“The arraignment of a rapist is an indication that the government of the state is not happy with the madness.

“We are also investigating the reported bail granted to an accused who was not arraigned in a court.

“The state government is appreciating the people of the state, including the media, for their involvement in managing the security of the state by providing information.’’ (NAN)