Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has appealed to persecutors in the state to expedite action on sex-related offences as that will serve as a deterrent to those inclined to rape and other forms of sexual molestation and violence.
The Governor made this call at the official launch of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre and signing into law of the sexual offenders register in Benin City, the state capital.
Sexual and gender-based violence is one of the major issues confronting relevant authorities in Edo State and beyond.
In light of this, the State Government is putting machinery in place to tackle the challenge headlong.
Some of the steps taken include setting up a one-stop free initiative that prioritises the rights and needs of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Governor Obaseki called on persecutors to handle sex-related cases expeditiously.
He guaranteed that the state will ensure justice is served on the Uwaila Omozuwa rape and murder.
Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Yinka Omorogbee, and Commissioner for Health, Patrick Okundia, noted that the centre will go a long way to reduce the incidents of sexual assault.
The sexual offender register is a depository of offences containing names and information about all persons who have been convicted or charged with rape and other sexual offences.
