By Augustine Ehikioya
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday said his administration is currently consulting with the judiciary arm of government towards the establishment of special courts to speedily try cases of rape and gender-based violence in the country.
Noting that the cases of rape and gender-based violence has increased across the globe, he said that the cases became worsened in Nigeria during and after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
This was contained in his 61st Independence Anniversary Speech, as made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
He said “Rape and Gender-Based Violence remains a sore point in our Nation as in many countries worldwide and this was worsened during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are currently engaging Heads of Courts to establish Specialised Courts for the speedy and seamless trial of Rape/Gender-Based offences especially to ensure that justice is done for child victims of sexual violence.”
The President also disclosed that work has gone far in the reformation and reintegration of minors involve in crime in Nigeria.
He said “On the other hand, work has advanced in the reformation, reintegration and reunification of Minors involved in one crime or the other.
“The reformation in our Correctional Services has manifested in an increase in modernised custodial centres and a transformation from strictly punitive to attitudinal changes so that criminals do not relapse into their previous lifestyle,” he stated.