Nigerian state approves castration of convicted rapists

SourceBBC

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The state assembly in Kaduna, in north-western Nigeria, has approved full surgical castration as punishment for those convicted of rape.

State commissioner for women’s affairs and social development, Hafsat Baba, described the approval by the state assembly as a “welcome development” and said that it will serve as a warning to rapists.

State governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, will now need to sign the bill for it to become law in the state.

In June, Nigerian governors declared a state of emergency over rape and violence against women and children in the country.

The number of successful prosecutions of rape suspects remains low and stigma often prevents victims from reporting incidents.