By Austin Ogwuda
… condemnation galore greets the sad, despicable incident
THE Executive Director of Women Aid Collective, (WACOL), Prof Joy Ezeilo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has questioned the endless violation of the rights of women by men.
While condemning the attack and the stripping of the female Youth Corps member in Anambra State, Ezeilo also called for serious sanctions against those who filmed and released the nude video in the Internet.
Ezeilo, in a press statement on Tuesday asked, “Why do some men, especially those tasked with protecting us, choose to target women and violate their dignity?
“The viral video of the female Corps member in Anambra state is a stark call for accountability: those responsible must be held to account. Who filmed this outrage, and who spread it?
“The answer, disturbingly, points to security personnel themselves. This demands urgent action.
“Every woman deserves respect for her dignity, her privacy, and her bodily autonomy. Let us stand up for women’s sanctuary—because justice means protecting everyone’s humanity.
“We demand safe cities for women. The current state of impunity must come to an end”, she emphatically stated.
. ..NANS kicks
Meantime, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the reported assault of Corps Member, Edema Jennifer, (AN/24C/0626) by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Samson, on Tuesday, NANS described the incident as a gross violation of the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of a young Nigerian serving her nation under the NYSC scheme.
“This action is not only unjustified but deeply troubling. It represents a dangerous affront to the ideals of national service, rule of law and human rights”.
They called on the Anambra State Government and relevant authorities to “investigate this incident thoroughly, ensure that those responsible are held accountable and take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.
“It is imperative that Corps Members across the country feel safe and protected in their places of primary assignment and residence”, the statement added.
Outrage from various quarters greeted the sad and despicable incident.
*Additional report from National Post
