Over 2000 women in Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday walked round some parts of Uyo metropolis, the State capital in a peaceful protest against the alleged rape and gruesome murder of late Iniubong Umoren by Uduak Akpan of Ikono Local Council Area of the state.
The women, mostly professionals and members of FIDA, FEYReP, NAWoJ, CSOs, Christian Women Association, Female politicians as well as appointees were heard singing dirge and chanting, “we want justice for Iniubong”, “justice for one is justice for all,” “no more rape, no more gender violence,”
Dressed in black, they also carried placards with inscriptions such as “#Stand in Solidarity with Akwa Ibom State women and demanded justiceforIniubongUmoren,” “#Rape is a crime punishable by law” among others.
The solidarity walk led by the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Mrs Felicia Bassey, the State Chairman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Emem Etteh, terminated at the government house roundabout, Wellington Basset way.
Addressing the crowd at the terminal, the Wife of the Governor, Dr Martha Emmanuel assured women of justice on the death of Iniubong Umoren and other issues of rape and domestic violence in the state.
She said, “I am pained about the brutal murder of our daughter, Iniubong Umoren and all others. We have done everything we could to stop the menace of harassing our children, mothers and sisters, but, it seems we are doing nothing.
“For this singular act, we are saying enough is enough. Iniubong has paid the final price this will not happen again and I want to tell you that this monster and all the accomplice will not go unpunished.”
She added that the suspect has committed murder and rape and the case cannot be overlooked, noting that all others nursing similar dastard acts when caught must face a full portion of justice.
She also commended the efforts of the State government and the Police Force for their prompt response in the case.
Also, the State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mrs Felicia Bassey decried the injury done to the family of late Iniubong Umoren, stressing that the crime must be seriously dealt with.
She urged the women to leverage the law against gender-based violence and report any act of harassment to appropriate authorities for swift action
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan lamented that cases of sexual molestation and harassment have taken a high crescendo and must be addressed
She charged women to unite and fight a common cause, stressing that they should show concern especially to people who have suffered gender-based violence.
Speaking also, the Chairperson of FIDA Barr Emem Ette said the organization would continually defend women, noting that a lot has to be done to re-orientate the males on their duties and roles as defenders of women.
Chairperson of NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Uduak Ekong said Women Journalists in the State would not relent in projecting this menace rearing its ugly head in the State pledging the Association’s willingness in partnering with relevant agencies. Other women who spoke at the event demanded justice for late Umoren and other rape victims in the State
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