By; IYOKPO J. EGBODO, Abuja
As Nigeria joins other countries of the world to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, members of the House of Representatives on Thursday called on President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to ensure safe return of the 110 abducted Dapchi school girls, in Yobe State.
The lawmakers who gave the charge during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day celebration, held on the floor of the House, expressed concerns over the fate and well-being of the Chibok school girls who are still in the bondage of the insurgents, since April 2014.
Worried by the recurring cases of abduction of school children, the lawmakers enjoined relevant government authorities to provide security for school children and women across the country.
This year’s commemoration comes on the heels of increased sexual harassment, violence, abduction and discrimination against women.
Leading the debate on the International Women’s Day celebration, Stella Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) stressed the need urging the authorities to secure freedom for all kidnapped school girls in the country.
Other lawmakers who spoke during the motion including: Stella Ngwu (PDP-Enugu); Aisha Dukku (APC-Gombe); Garba Tchede (APC-Taraba);
Gudaji Kazaure (APC-Jigawa) and Lynda Ikpeazu (PDP-Anambra) applauded the vibrancy of leading women in Nigeria’s history.
They are however saddened that women remain victims of the many incidents of violence that daily befall Nigeria, stressed the need for timely passage of gender equality bill.
The legislators also called on the government to provide legal framework for gender parity and support Nigerian women in the quest for gender mainstreaming.
In a related development, coalition of Civil Society Organisations led by Ariyo-Dare Atoye, urged National Assembly to conduct a “powerful investigation to unravel whatever conspiracy has been alleged so far and the circumstances surrounding how over 100 girls will be kidnapped in a ‘war zone’ without them being spotted or meeting police/military check-points.”
The women group who staged peaceful protest at the National Assembly wore black T-Shirts with the inscription: ‘We are Dapchi: Rescue our Daughters’.
