By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has raised the alarm over the increasing rape cases recorded in the State, vowing that perpetrators would not go unpunished.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the commissioner for information and state orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji, after the weekly Executive state council meeting in Abakaliki.

According to the Orji, Umahi made a minor cabinet reshuffle while applauding the office of her Excellency and the state ministry of women Affairs and social development for a very beautiful job they are doing in the fight against rape.

Umahi said: “EXCO reviewed the unfortunate increase in the rate of rape in Ebonyi State and commended the office of Her Excellency, the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for a very beautiful job they are doing in the fight against rape in the state.

“EXCO directed that there should be no sacred cow in the enforcement of the Laws on Rape. EXCO directed that there should be urgent State campaigns against rape in public institutions including churches, schools, markets and other public places.

The council noted the submissions on the increased of use of hard drugs in the society and directed Mr. Mark Onu to head the campaign against hard drugs and to go to all joints and market places with police and Ebubeagu Security outfit to apprehend the perpetrators.

A total sum of N900 million was released for empowerment which is a by-product of #EndSARS and directed beneficiaries to go to the office of the Deputy Governor for final verification and documentation of their names.

The council also directed that the list shall be forwarded to the office of the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation for publication in at least two National Dailies ahead of the disbursement flag-off exercise.

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