Police Partner With NGOs Over War Against Rape

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The fight against sexual abuse and domestic violence gained momentum recently as Police officers expressed willingness to continue to partner with Non Governmental Organisations to fight the war in Lagos State.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the event was organized by the Advocate for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, ACVPN and ParentChild360 in conjunction with Ben Bruce Foundation. Stakeholders comprising of the Lagos State Government under the office of Attorney General, the Police, Non Governmental Organizations and journalists attended the event held at Silver Bird Galleria on Lagos Island.

The event was organized with the title ‘Gender based, Violence case, Management, Referral and the Role of Nigeria Police’.

Among those who spoke at the event included Senator Ben Bruce, who condemned the rising cases of rape in Nigeria and called for proactive measures to reduce the crime.
He commended the Nigeria Police for their efforts and stated that the Police were not treated well in terms of welfare and benefit.
“We need to treat Police officers well for them to protect us; many of the officers were working under harsh conditions and it is our collective responsibility to speak out so that the government will intervene and improve their working conditions.”

Many top officers were recognized for their support in the fight against sexual abuse and domestic violence. Among them were ACP Monday Agbonike, ACP Olasoji Akinbayo, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Zubairu Muazu and AIG Zone 2, Lawal Shehu, who were recipient of various awards for their contributions.
The Lagos State Government on their own part, through the office of DPP, reiterated the government’s commitment to work with the Police and various NGOs to ensure that justice was done to the survivors and they were rehabilitated in the State.
Some of the officers spoke their mind on the challenges they face in dealing with survivors, parents, lack of funds and other logistics, which seemed to be slowing down the pace of the fight.