House of Rep. reject castration as rape penalty

The House of Representatives has voted, rejecting the motion seeking the approval of castration as punishment for rapists.

The notion of castrating any person found guilty of rape, which was suggested by Mr James Faleke, was voted against at the plenary on Thursday.

In view of recent series of sexual violence cases in Nigeria, the lawmakers also asked the Inspector General of Police to immediately commence an investigation into the cases of Uwa Omozuwa, Tina Ezekwe, the reported rape of a minor in Jigawa state, as well as all other reported cases of violence against women.

Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila had described the rise in these cases as sick, despicable and an ungodly act which cuts across all gender.

The House was reacting to a motion of urgent public importance by Representative Rotimi Agunsoye, on the need to condemn the rising cases of sexual violence and other social vices against women and police brutality.

Also, the lawmakers implored the Federal Government to launch a more effective campaign against rape and other violence against women and girls.

Reported by: Vincent Paul