The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has frowned at the sudden spike in gender-based violence, especially rape.
The NGE called on law-enforcement agencies, the criminal justice system officials and other relevant bodies to consider gender-based violence as ‘special offences’ deserving of special attention, including expedited investigations and judicial process.
The call is contained in a communique issued at the end of the Standing Committee Meeting of the Nigerian Guild of Editors held via Zoom on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at Editors’ House, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The communique, signed by the President of the Guild Mustapha Isa and General Secretary Mrs Mary Atolagbe, urged the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to set up a Special Investigation and Prosecution Team, trained and primed, to deal with gender-based issues.
The Guild noted that the Police play a major role in the course of investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence; therefore, the Police should be seen to be helpful and empathetic, not bullish and frustrating.
While expressing dismay at stigmatisation of victims of rape and allied crimes, it urged parents and guardians not to succumb to intimidation and societal scorn but to boldly speak out against such violence.
