…as JDPI creates awareness on violence against women and children,
The Nigeria Police Force, Ekiti State Command has said that there will be no option of plea bargain for anyone facing prosecution for Gender-Based-Violence, GBV, in the state.
In addition, any one pleading for offender or trying to cover up GBV matters would be arrested and prosecuted.
This was stated on Thursday, by the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Ogundare Dare Emmanuel, at the project launch and awareness creation in reducing violence against women and children, organised by the Justice Development and Peace Initiative, JDPI, of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti.
The C.P, represented by S.P Femi Falade, O.C Legal, Ekiti State Police Command, emphasised the strong commitment of the police towards ensuring punishment for offenders.
He said the police would not tolerate any form of molestation of women and girl-child by ensuring prosecution of any offender in line with the GBV laws in the state.
“We are committed to stamp out issues against vulnerable women and children in Ekiti State in line with the Ekiti State GBV laws.
“I want to appeal to people that once a case of GBV is reported, we shall no longer listen to plea for violators and perpetrators. Sex with a child is rape and molestation of women and girl-child will not be tolerated.”
On his part, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye reiterated the commitment of the Catholic church in ensuring that the society is rid of GBV perpetrators.
Bishop Ajakaye, represented by Rev. Fr. Bimbo Joseph, noted that the Church as an institution will continue to invest in young children and women to become responsible and useful to the society.
He said: “The Church believes that the young children and women are treasured and one of the ways in investing in them is to be responsible and useful to the Church and society.
“The Catholic Church is a great respecter of rights and has always be committed where there must be measures in safeguarding vulnerable adults.”
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela, represented by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi promised the readiness of the media to lend voice and ensure strict monitoring of cases of GBV.
Other stakeholders at the programme including, NUJ, FIDA, Security Agencies, Civil Society Organizations and Market Women pledged to partner JDPI and relevant agencies in the drive to nip the menace of GBV in the bud.
Earlier, the Director JDPI, Father Emmanuel Akingbade promised the readiness of the organization to continue to educate the public on GBV and seek Justice for victims.