Governors declare state of emergency on rape

The Nigeria Governors Forum has agreed to declare a state of emergency on sexual and gender – based violence against women and children .

They also renewed commitment to ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law .

This was contained in a communique signed by the Chairman of the NGF , Dr . Kayode Fayemi , after the forum ’ s 10 th COVID – 19 teleconference meeting held on Wednesday .

The communique was issued in Abuja , on Thursday 

Governors agreed to , “ Declare a State of Emergency on Sexual and Gender – based Violence. Governors strongly condemned all forms of violence against women and children and committed to ensuring that offenders face the maximum weight of the law ;

“ Call on State Governors that have not already domesticated relevant gender -based protection laws to domesticate the Violence Against Persons ( Prohibition ) Act, the Child Rights Act and the updated Penal Code to increase protection for women and children and ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of perpetrators in addition to creating a sex offenders register in each State to name and shame . ”