The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), South East Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) has decried the rising spate of domestic violence and ritual killing of girls and called for collaboration of wives of state governors’ in tackling the menace.
This call was made in a communique signed by the Zonal Secretary of NAWOJ, Doris Chioma Alex, at the end of the South East ZEC meeting, themed “Aligning Together for the Purpose of Zone C NAWOJ,” held in Umuahia, Abia State.
NAWOJ South East Executives in the meeting which was chaired by the Zonal Vice Chairperson, Amaka Agbo, expressed concern over the rise in ritual killings and domestic violence, particularly spouse battery and killings.
The council demanded amendments to the Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Law to include more stringent measures and expunge the option of fines for perpetrators. thatthe governors’ developmental strides have greatly impacted the South Eastern region.
ZEC commended the South East Governors for their leadership qualities and administrative blueprint, which have positively impacted the region. They also praised the wives of the five South East Governors for their proactive measures and swift responses to gender-based violence.
The communique reads in parts: ” ZEC applauded Abia State’s First Lady, Mrs. Chioma Otti, for hosting the NAWOJ South East Zonal Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
“ZEC expressed satisfaction with the security measures implemented during the Christmas season and urged the Zone C Governors to further strengthen security in their states, particularly addressing the rise in ritual killings within the zone.
“ZEC commended the wives of the five South East Governors for their proactive measures and swift responses to gender-based violence in their respective states. The ZEC called for future collaboration between the association and the first ladies to further address these issues.
“ZEC demanded that the Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Law be amended to include more stringent measures in tackling the increasing incidence of crimes and to expunge the option of fines for perpetrators.
“ZEC called on the Nigeria Police and the Judiciary, especially in the South East, to rise to their responsibility and ensure that the law is upheld and justice is served at all times”. It read.