The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to enforce tougher measures to address issues of homicide and femicide in Nigeria.
This request followed the approval of a motion during Tuesday’s plenary, put forward by Rivers State lawmaker Awaji-Inombek Abiante, with support from three other colleagues.
Abiante, while speaking in favor of the motion, highlighted the right to life as a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Constitution.
He also raised concerns over the increasing rates of homicide, including murder, manslaughter, and other violent acts that result in death, which have led to growing demands for justice from the public.
The lawmaker also noted the alarming rise of femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls based on their gender, which has become a critical issue with numerous reported cases in recent years.
In response to the motion, the House urged the National Judicial Council to establish specialized divisions within existing courts at all levels to fast-track the handling of cases related to homicide, femicide, and similar crimes.
Details later.