Lawyers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country have called on the Nigerian Police to douse the tension stemming from purported theft of male genital organs in the country especially the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as unscrupulous people were taking advantage of the situation to steal and kill innocent people.
Speaking at a One day seminar on Sexual Reproductive Health Right (SRHR) and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) for Lawyers held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 in Abuja, they attributed the fuss to harsh economic realities faced by the country.
The group comprising African Health Budget Network (AHBN), Lawyers Alert, Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture commonly known as Market Women, The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) also called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enlighten the citizenry with the right information to navigate the times.
Engagement and Partnership Lead of AHBN, Oyeyemi Pitan said, “though it’s hard to believe, some of the participants said someone was admitted in a hospital at Kuje because of the case that has been reported but some people are being mischievous and using this as a way to steal from people, I’m calling on all the state actors in the FCT to take urgent action and investigate. A woman was almost beaten to death only for the accuser to say it was a joke, his genitals were intact! This is unacceptable! We need to take prompt action to curb this”.
On the aim of the seminar, she noted that there was the need to strengthen the referral system, both government and non government:
“We have all the key stakeholders making commitment to make sure everyone gets sensitised, to know about Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights as well as SGBV so they can take action to support policy and budget advocacy
“The CSOs have seen that
that there is the need to strengthen the referral system, both government and non government, all the bodies that respond to sexual and Gender Based Violence, there is a need to strengthen their response so that justice can be gotten for everybody”, Pitan said.
On her part, Legal Practioner, Ruth Ojumu urged the public not to take laws into their hands but report all cases of stealing of genitals to the nearest police station.
Calling for balance with respect to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, President, Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture commonly known as Market Women, Ruth Agbo said, “we are appealing to people, every body has a right and to their sexuality, health and reproductive right so let is try to balance it so everybody in the society will be happy.
“When one gender is oppressed against the other, there is bound to be conflict so let us try to balance it. Everybody has the right to decide what their bodies need. So don’t oppress anyone against their wish”.
Objectives of the seminar include Understanding the concept of SRHR, SGBV and Reproductive Justice, Understanding the referral system for rapid response to SGBV cases towards obtaining justice and also understanding the importance of prompt action and becoming aware of existing structures to maximize justice.
