Gombe — Gombe State government has expressed concern over rampant cases of rape and battery being recorded across the state and called for the review of existing laws to reflect the cultural and religious values of the society.

The state commissioner of women affairs and social welfare, Hajiya Fatima Shehu Abubakar, who in Gombe yesterday in commemoration of the International Women's Day, described rape and battery as a fundamental issue affecting women and girl child development in the country.

She said the phenomenon has become rampant in the country hence the need to call for attitudinal change towards women and girl child as mothers of the nation and future leaders and urged for a legal review to accord them required security and protection.

Hajiya Fatima also said stiffer penalties should be earmarked for anyone found to have violated the chastity of the womanhood and urged parents to ensure full upbringing of their girl child to prevent occurrences.

She said the state planned to establish additional three girl child centers in the state to empower the girls with requisite trading skills and formal western education particularly those engaged in hawking.

Already, she said, the state in conjunction with office of the first lady trained and empowered 600 women on vocational skills to enable them contribute to the overall economic development of the state.