By Safiyanu Ladan
In the last couple of weeks, Zazzau Emirate was thrown into a bewildering dilemma after the arrest of one Shehu Umar Ciroman Baraya (Emir’s servant) by the police for sodomising a minor and the arrest of Sama’ila Abubakar Rimini Tsiwa for allegedly gang-raping a would-be bride. Both incidents did not go down well with one of the oldest emirates in the country.
The reports of such an abomination, which occurred within a few days, drew condemnations within and outside the emirate. While commenting on the issue of sodomy, the emirate expressed ‘rude shock’, saying that as an institution that believes in the rule of laws, it will not allow any form of immorality to exist within its ambit.
It also appealed to the police and any other security agencies handling the matter to expedite action and ensure that the accused is prosecuted without further delay to serve as a deterrent to others.
While people are still contemplating the vast degree of damage the case of sodomy would bring to the palace following associating the culprit with the revered institution, another one struck. And it’s the most disgusting and disturbing.
Traditional institutions are the custodian of the people’s norms, values, and traditions. As such, people with questionable characters should not be allowed to associate closely with them because their immoral attitudes will tarnish their image and jeopardise their hard-earned values and norms. Therefore, the prompt action of the Zazzau emirate for the immediate dismissal of the randy palace guard and condemning the heinous act of homosexuality is commendable as it would serve as a deterrent to others.
Sexual exploitation in whatever forms are unacceptable. For these rapists to use their positions to obtain sexual favours from vulnerable victims is callous, and it, therefore, stands condemned. Given the current happenings and the rate at which cases of rape are being reported almost daily in our society, the lack of provision of a coherent and vibrant system that will deal ruthlessly with perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others has aided its escalation.
While noting that the suspects were reportedly prosecuted and currently languishing in prison custody awaiting trials and judgement, I call on the Kaduna state government and other stakeholders not to relent. Instead, you should ensure that the cases are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served accordingly.
Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Zaria via uncledoctor24@gmail.com.
