Imo lawmaker cries out over incessant rape cases

The member representing Owerri North State constituency in Imo House of Assembly, Philips Ejiogu has raised alarm on the increase of rape incidents both in Imo State and the country at large.

Ejiogu made his feelings known through a motion he moved last Thursday during plenary, which urged the security agencies and law enforcement agencies in the country to step up action in arresting the ugly trend.

The lawmaker who is the deputy Minority Whip of the House regretted that “the incidents of rape have put many of our girls in trauma,” describing the situation as a major cause of suicide.

He recalled the case of a young girl in the Southwest part of the country who was recently raped in a church and killed in the process.

Similarly, the lawmaker cited another case in Nwangele LGA of Imo state and Uratta in Owerri north where a young girl was gang raped.

“I’m more concerned about how these culprits go about freely after committing this heinous crime. Our law enforcement agencies are not doing much. There should be a stiff punishment to them which will serve as a deterrent to other rapists.

“Much as I’m not a fan for indecent dressing, I also do not believe it is a cause of rape. What our ladies wear does not necessarily warrant this. In developed countries, the story is different and we all know that these people go almost naked there.

“So, I urge the government of Imo State and our security agencies to wade into the issue of rape before it degenerates to a more worrisome situation,” he added.