Date: 2016-11-13

Mrs Fatima Abdulfatah, Kwara Coordinator, Victim of Violence (VOV), a charity organisation, has advocated capital punishment for people stealing from and raping Internally Displaced Person (IDPs).

Abdulfatah made the call in Ilorin on Saturday during a charity walk orgainsed by the group to sensitise the public to the dangers of malnutrition experienced by IDPs in parts of the country.

According to her, it is inhuman to take advantage of such vulnerable people. "They found themselves in such positions; they did not choose to be there," she said. She explained that VOV just returned from Mongunu and Bama in Borno, where it had its outreach with IDPs.

The coordinator described violence as a serious issue, which has taken its toll on the displaced persons, especially children suffering from severe malnutrition. Abdulfatah stated that although Kwara does not have such severe issues, people can still reach out to IDPs in other parts of the country.

She, therefore, urged non-governmental organisations to work closely with the Federal Government to reach out to people displaced by acts of terror in the country. She added that NGOs could be instrumental to the efficient distribution of relief materials to IDPs.

The Secretary General of VOV, Mr Adio Odunjo, said the charity walk was to create awareness and raise funds to assist malnourished children and reduce the death among such kids, especially the ones displaced.