Plateau Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission has urged security agencies to fish out those who raped and brutally murdered a minor in the state.

The commission made the call in a statement by the Director of Information and Investigations, Nene Dung, on Monday in Jos.

Mrs Dung said that the commission received with rude shock the report of the defilement and murder of the nine-year-old girl.

She said that the commission learnt that the minor was sent on an errand when she was raped and killed by yet-to-be-identified persons.

She said, “We call on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to fish out perpetrators of the dastardly act to face the full wrath of the law. All hands must be on deck to ensure that society is safe for children to run errands without fear of molestation or abuse.

“This sad incident happened at a time when the governor is making inroads towards ensuring the mainstreaming of gender in all spheres of the state. This incident is not only a blow to

us but a call on communities to begin to rise up to the responsibility of policing their environment to fish out miscreants.’’

The director reminded the public that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act was in effect in the state, adding that anyone who violated the law would face legal consequences.

She urged the public to be aware of their rights and report any violations to the appropriate authorities.

Mrs Dung extended the commission’s deep condolences to the minor’s family and prayed for her to find peace in the afterlife.

(NAN)