Ambode declares war on rapists in Lagos

With about 760 cases of sexual assault recorded in two years and only two convictions in Lagos, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, declared war against perpetrators of rape in the state, saying ‘desist from such act or face the music.’

Making the declaration at the second anniversary of the Mirabel Sexual Assault Referral Centre, the governor, who was represented by the state Solicitor-General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, described rape as criminal and expressed his commitment and passion to descend heavily on anyone with the intention to take advantage of the female folks.

He advised victims to report to the appropriate centres as early as possible.

Regretting that justice had remained difficult to dispense in cases of sexual offence due to inadequate evidence in most cases, Ambode said: “Rape is an offence that requires the victim to provide concrete evidence, which would help in the prosecution procedures and fresh evidence are crucial in identifying and ascertaining if the crime was actually committed or not.”

Ambode also stressed the importance of comprehensive forensic analysis in determining true rape cases, revealing that Lagos State had put measures in place and given necessary assistance to facilitate quick and seamless adjudication of justice.