…NAWOJ calls for arrest, prosecution of suspects
By Kunle Akinsola
Two underage girls, who were suspected to be practicing witchcraft, have been set ablaze by some identified people at Waduruk community, Shen village in Jos South Council Area of Plateau State.
The girls of five and 11 years were, however, rescued after they had suffered various degrees of burns.
According to reports, the two girls, who are in critical condition, are still in the State Specialists’ Hospital, Jos.
No arrest has been made so far as the Police authorities have yet to speak on the incident.
Meanwhile, the State Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Mrs Jennifer Yarima, has called for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the crime.
“It is a gross violation of the human rights of the victims; we call for concerted efforts from law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
“We condemn in strong terms the unspeakable human rights violation meted on two minors, 11 years old Godgift Nyam and five years old Mary Gyang.
“The menace of jungle justice has no place in our contemporary society; it is a disheartening situation that minors will be subjected to such a traumatizing agony without any substantial evidence to prove their claims.
“The members of the community have continued to shield the perpetrators of this dastardly act and chased security agents when they went to arrest suspects.
“Since nobody is above the law, concerted efforts should be made to arrest and prosecute all those involved in this act of inhumanity to serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.
Yarima appealed to the state government and public-spirited people and organizations to come urgently to the aid of the victims.
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