Worried by the increasing cases of rape in Nigeria, the Nigerian Senate has proposed the amendment of relevant laws to ensure stiffer punishment for offenders.

The Senate also directed its committee on judiciary, police affairs, women and social development to interface with relevant stakeholders in order to address the increasing cases of rape.

Galaxy’s Godfrey Eshiemoghie reports that these were some of the resolutions reached on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday after lawmakers deliberated on a point of order raised by Senator Rose Okoh.

Senator Okoh in her presentation noted that the increasing cases of sexual violence against minors are worrisome, adding that one of the problems of prosecuting rape is proving penetration.

In their contributions, Senators Ovie Omo-Agege, Dino Melaye,  Oloriegbe Ibrahim, Oluremi Tinubu and Chukwuka Utazi expressed concern at the rise in sexual offenses across the country.

They maintained that lack of stiffer punishment is a major issue. The lawmakers further demanded for sentencing guidelines. In his remarks, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan stressed the need to re-define what constitutes sexual offenses. 

The Senate also urged Federal Government to domesticate and implement the Child Right Act.