EPIA Set To Offer Pro Bono Legal Service For Rape Victims

By Isaac Eranga

Benin – Edo progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA),  known as Edo Indigenous movement said modality has been put in place to provide free legal services to rape and domestic  violence victims in Edo state as well as seeking justice against the perpetrators of the act in the State.

This was contained in a press release signed by the the Chairman of Edo Indigenous Publicity and Research Committee (EIPRC), Mr. Osazee Nelson Goodwin.

The movement strongly condemned the habits of rape and domestic violence in Edo State and called on the state government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki to brief Edo Indigenes on the measures or actions currently in place by his administration to put an end to curtail the spread of rape in the state. 

The movement condemned the rape and murder of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year-old microbiology student, in a Church in Benin City, Nigeria, and called on the Police to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“Authorities in Nigeria have not done enough to combat sexual violence. The method the state has been using over the years, clearly has not moved with the intensity required to deter rapists and potential rapists and to protect women and girls. EPIA is going to do everything possible to unturn this ugly trend,” the release said.

“Gang-rape is now a common problem in Nigeria with most cases affecting the poor socio-economic class. It is on increase in Edo State. Gang rape cases in the state has created so much negative impact on the legal outcome. 

“There is a need to provide a holistic support to the victims and to review Nigerian laws on sexual offences for the good of all. This is why we are offering free pro bono to victims and seek legal action against perpetrators,” the release said.