Defence chief’s wife seeks end to sexual assault in barracks
Story from Uji A. ILIYASU
The president of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, has called for collaborative efforts towards addressing the menace of sexual abuse in military barracks.
Musa made the call at a seminar on “Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse” to mark her one year in office as the 15th president of DEPOWA, on Saturday in Abuja.
She said that the menace of sexual exploitation and abuse was prevalent in the society, adding that many occurrences have gone unreported without exemption of barracks community and its environs.
She said the event was an opportunity to discuss the issue and echoe the voice of the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres. The UN scribe said, “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse have no place in our society.
“We recognise the severity of the consequences, and we aim to work towards reducing its prevalence within our communities and immediate environs.
“We also thought it necessary to sensitise the youth on the menace of drug abuse and how to avoid it so they can have a promising future.
Speakers agreed that two of every 10 male children have been sexually abused, therefore, more of sensitisation was required to address this menace in the society, even as girls, more than boys, have been victims of such abuse that usually go unreported.