RAPE PROTEST: WOMEN GROUP DEMANDS SPEEDY TRIAL OF PASTOR ONYEKWERE

REPORTER: PAMELA IGWE

Some women have
staged a peaceful protest in Awka, Anambra State to press for the speedy trial of a sixty year old pastor, Boniface Onyekwere, who is currently awaiting trial at the Awka custodial centre for alleged rape of a 12-year old girl.

Two weeks ago, Pastor Onyekwere, who is also a lecturer, was said to have defiled the minor who had been living with him three days before the incident.

The minor, who gave her name as Uju Okafor from Ufuma in Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State, explained that when she could not bear the pain she jumped down from a two storey building and broke her leg in the process.

The protesters, who were angered by the delay in trying the pastor carried placards with various inscriptions including: “Pastor Boniface Onyekwere must face the wrath of law,” “Say no to rape,” “Soludo save girl child from Abuse” and “Soludo on justice we stand.”

In interview with Radio Nigeria, the leader of the group, Mrs. Nkiru Nwagbo, said that women would not rest until the victim got justice.

Addressing the protesters, the Commissioner for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, appreciated the peaceful manner they comported themselves, noting that one of the key agenda of the Governor Charles Soludo led administration is the protection of women and children.

The Commissioner explained that her office had commenced sensitization campaign aimed at protecting the rights of women and girls.

For his part, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command was still conducting investigations on the matter.

He advised parents and guardians to be mindful of the people they hand over their children to as house maids.