The Nigeria Association of Social Workers, NASoW, has called for the promulgation of laws that would ensure that stiffer penalty awaits rapists in the country.
This is as the umbrella body of social workers in Nigeria condemned the killing of an 18-year old Barakat Bello, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Bello a student of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Technology (IAR&T), Ibadan, was raped and subsequently killed by some unknown persons on Monday, coming few days after a student of the University of Benin, Uwa Omozuwa, was raped and subsequently killed by some unknown rapists.
But NASoW, while reacting, described the cases as a revelation of the level of social decadence in the country.
The Oyo State chairman of the association, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele, while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, appealed to governments to promote civic education in schools which would influence patriotism among the people, adding that the legislative arm of government should promulgate laws with tough penalty for rapists.
He said, “The act was really pathetic and revealed the degree of social decadence in our society. Also, the sad event is an exposition of how we have detached from our traditional value system.
“Government should promote civic education in schools which would influence patriotism among the people. Also, the legislative arm of government should promulgate laws with tough penalty on rapists. Parents should keep close watch on their children by ensuring they have good moral upbringing. Children should not be exposed to obscene pictures and movies as this may influence their behaviour negatively.
“Female children should be taught and encouraged to dress decently. Security agents should ensure that the wrath of law is established on perpetrators of this despicable acts through prompt arrest and prosecution.”
