The Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP) has condemned the alleged brutalization of a young lady in Benin City by a soldier, urging the authorities to ensure that justice is done.
FONWIP, in a statement issued by its President, Hon Florence Gbinigie, said if found guilty the soldier should face justice and be brought to book.
It would be recalled that the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army (NA) reportedly detained a soldier who was alleged to have brutalized a young lady, identified as Vivian Johnson, inside the Ikpoba Hill Army Barracks in Benin City, the Edo State capital, recently.
According to reports, the development came less than 48 hours after it was reported that the soldier, one Sergeant David attached to the brigade, allegedly dehumanized the young lady around the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office block within the old barracks, inflicting injuries on her.
Though the assistant director, Army Public Relations, Captain Yemi Sokoya, had promised to investigate the matter, well-meaning citizens from across the country and abroad, including FONWIP, have condemned the act.
“It is time we criminalize violence against women, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic violence and deal decisively with those found complicit in the dastardly act, whoever they might be,” FONWIP said.
In another statement, the FONWIP President thanked God for being one of the 20 women honoured in Kenya, Nairobi on the Maputo Protocol recently.
“This is an encouragement to do more for women in Nigeria and international. I dedicate this solidarity award to all women in the struggle for recognition and fairness,” she noted.
