A faith-based Islamic organisation, Federation of Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), has decried the rising rape of minors in the country and called for a severe punishment for its offenders.
The group also called on the judiciary to speed up the process of cases of rape, just as it commended the review of the punishment for rape cases in some states.
FOMWAN in a statement issued by its National Amirah, Hajiya Halimah Jibril, in Abuja on Friday, also lamented the continued silence of government over the controversies surrounding the wearing of hijab by Muslim women.
The group, which described hijab as the fundamental right of every Muslim woman, called on the government to resolve the issue once and for all.
The statement read in part: “The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, a non-governmental faith- based organisation has followed with concern the unacceptable attitude of some institutions regarding the use of hijab by students.
“Consequently, FOMWAN reminds all that the use of hijab by female Muslims is a religious obligation. Moreover, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows freedom of religious choice and practice.
“FOMWAN, therefore, views with dismay the continuing silence of authorities on what appears to be never ending saga over the wearing of hijab by Muslim women, ladies and girls. We hereby call on all those concerned to take action to resolve this issue once and for all.”
It further read: “In a similar dimension, FOMWAN is horrified at the continuing incidences of rape of minors which calls for a more proactive approach on conviction and punishment to serve as deterrent. The organisation is calling on particularly, the judiciary to speed up the process of cases of rape.
“FOMWAN applauds the review of the punishment for rape cases in some states and calls for urgent review of the laws in other states so that perpetrators do not get away with lighter sentences.”
