BENIN CITY- Apparently piqued by the incessant sexual violence against minors children and women in Edo State, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the aegis of BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) has called on the state House of Assembly to expediently domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in the state.

It also urged the state government and judiciary to give full implementation to the Edo State Child Right Law as well as the establishment of family Courts across the three Senatorial Districts in the state.

The call was made by the group during a peaceful protest walk to the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Benin City yesterday.

Spokesperson for BHI, Ms Priscillia Usiobaifo who doubles as the Executive Director of BHI remarked that the protest Match was informed by the alleged defilement of minors and rape cases in the state, adding that members of BHI were worried by the scourge.

She noted that about 21 cases, comprising defilement and rape has since been reported to BHI, adding three of such cases have been prosecuted in court.

Usiobafo informed that the objectives of the group was to get more people to join the campaign against sexual violations, encouraging survivors to speak out as well as seek support/service from stakeholder.
Responding, the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade (Sir) Roland Osakue while commending the initiative of BHI, said that the issue of rape and defilement has become predominant in the society, adding that the act is an injustice against natural justice.

He urged members of the general public to join in the fight against sexual violence.
Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER after the protest walk, Mr. Ronke Ojeikere, Hamah Bayode, Mr. Roland Aiyejina and Barr. (Mrs.) Edeko Maria in their separate reactions commended BHI for supporting the fight against Sexual Violence in the society.

Barr. Edeko said that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, if implemented would served as an educational tool for the people.

Meanwhile, other objectives of BHI as enumerated by its Executive Director included; to advocate for the creation of Edo State Sexual Register and the advocation for the decentralization of the family units of the police to cover the three senatorial districts.