NAWOJ Tasks Police On Women’s Protection

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Rivers State chapter, has enjoined the State Police Command to redouble efforts in the protection of women and the girl-child in the state.
Chairperson of the association,  Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, made this known when she led members of the association on a visit to the State Commissioner of Police at his office in Port Harcourt.
Serekara-Nwikhana, who commended the police for their efforts in reducing crime rate in the state, said women and girls were most vulnerable in the kidnapping and killings in the state.
She frowned at a situation where the police always opted for settlement of rape cases out of court which she said portended danger to the victim and called for stiffer penalties against culprits.
The NAWOJ chairperson while calling for mutual understanding with the police, enjoined the command to treat matters concerning women and girls seriously.
She appealed to the commissioner for the creation of a special desk specifically to handle gender-based issues that affect women and the girl child.
On the alleged ritual killings and sale of human parts, Mrs. Serekara-Nwikhana also appealed to the Police Commissioner to beam the command’s searchlight on activities of minibus drivers and commercial taxis allegedly used for ‘one chance’ and fish out such culprits and where survivors have recounted their experiences to put an end to sale of human parts and organ harvesters and bring perpetrators to book by checking suspected vehicles properly to enthrone a crime-free society.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Eboka Friday assured of his administration’s determination to provide quality service to the people and urged everyone to assist by providing relevant information.
The commissioner promised to look critically at the issues raised by NAWOJ with a view to bringing lasting solution to insecurity in the state.
He further assured the association of the command’s continuous partnership to synergise the working relationship with the media.