The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, Niger State Chapter has decried the alarming proportion of child molestation and sexual harassment of girl child in Niger state.
The association chairperson in Niger State Hajiya Uma Khaltume Mohammed who raised the alarm in an exclusive Interview With Journalists in Minna noted that the increasing rates of sexual molestation against the girl child in some part of Niger state is becoming more dreadful.
She said it more disappointing and disheartened that some aged and adults derived joy in sexually molesting under-aged children, stressing that AWLA under her leadership will soon go all out to bring those involved in the heinous offences to face the full wrath of the law.
The association’s chairperson affirmed that the executive members of the association will engage relevant security agencies in the state and other critical stakeholders such community based organization, CBO, Niger State child right agency NSCRA to join hands with AWLA to curb the ugly trends.
” We in AWLA,and other relevant agencies will not allow this ugly trend to continue in Niger State.
” We have a duty to go all out to bring these heartless groups of people to face the full wrath of the law.
” The trend is becoming so alarming.We have to Collectively nip it in the bud before it takes into a different dimension in the state ” she said.
The Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Deputy Governor, Hajiya Ummulkhatum same d it is surprising seeing some adults engaging children enough to be their grandchildren’s age in forceful sexual activities
She described the act as barbaric and demonic and should that be condemned in totality.
Hajiya Ummulkhatum assured that AWLA will soon embark on aggressive sensitization and enlightenment programs across the twenty-five local government areas of Niger State to educate the community on the needs for them to report any case of child molestation and harassment in their respective communities to the appropriate authority for necessary action.
She noted that the willows idea will assist in exposing any culprit involved in such heinous crimes for prompt action.