Edo State governor’s wife, Mrs Betsy Obaseki has appealed to Nigeria Governors’ wives to demonstrate more commitment in the fight against Gender based Violence, particularly cultism and rape which has assumed a worrisome dimension.

She made the call while receiving women groups led by Edo Women Development Initiative in Edo State Government House in Benin City, described Gender based Violence agaimst Women and Children as a National emergency that requires urgent attention.

The groups had embarked on a protest march across major Streets in Benin City to among others, demand for the protection of women and girls rights in Edo State.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs Obaseki said she and other first Ladies in Nigeria has commenced moves towards ensuring that the rape is brought to the barest minimum in society.

Recently, Nigeria recorded at least Eight cases of violent and absurd rape among them the case of late Uwaila Omozuwa from Edo State, late Bakarat Bello and Azizat Shomuyiwa from Oyo State, and 13-year-old girl who was allegedly gang raped in Kano State amongst others.

Meanwhile, a Non-Governmental Organization, Win Women International in collaboration with Godsent Foundation, has demanded Justice for rape victims in the State.

Miss Blessing Aigbe, the Secretary of Win Women and Peculiar Agaga the Spokesperson of Godsent foundation  made the call during a solidarity and awareness walk round major Streets in Benin .

Aigbe said: “we are here to demand justice for  victims of rape like Vera Uwalia Omozuwa who rapes and killed in a church.

“The girl-child is no longer safe anymore,  whether in school, churches, home or at work.

“The time has come for people in authority to begin to find a permanent solution to the problem of rape in our society

“We are here to speak up against rape and we are also calling on the government to enact a law that would protect and provide stringent punishment for rapists in the state,” Aigbe said.

Also speaking, Peculiar Agaga, the spokesperson of  Godsent foundation called for the protection of women’s rights

Mr Roland Osakwe,  the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo Council who received the women at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin condemned the act of rape.

“I want to assure you that hard time awaits rapists in the state. I can also assure you that as journalists,  we shall continue to speak up against rape and other social vices.

According to him, rape has become a global phenomenon which should be addressed by concerned authorities to protect our women and girls.

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