The Osun government has sent a bill to the state House of Assembly, seeking stiffer penalties for rapists, including the cutting off of the penis.

Mrs Mofolake Adegboyega, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, told newsmen yesterday in Osogbo that the bill recommended among other penalties, the cutting off of the "third leg".

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner said the "Violence Against Women and Children Bill", was aimed at reducing the incidence of rape in the state.

The commissioner, who expressed sadness at the increasing trend, especially that of minors, said the state government was working out possible solutions.

According to her, one of the ways of curbing the problem is the bill, which has been sent to the House of Assembly.

She said the bill would spell out details of punishment for culprits within the confines of the law.

She observed that until those who were involved in the inhuman habit were made to face severe punishment, they might never be deterred.

Adegboyega referred to Saudi Arabia, where legs and even heads of culprits were cut off for serious offences, stressing that it would not be too much to cut off the penis of a rapist.

The commissioner observed that it was shameful that not only the unmarried persons were involved in the act, but even elderly persons as old as grandfathers.

As part of the government's efforts to curb the development, Adegboyega said officials of the ministry had embarked on enlightenment campaign in public places.

"We are going to schools to talk to children on how to conduct themselves, so that they will not play into the hands of men, who are out to abuse them.

"We have also approached traditional rulers on how rapists can be brought to book, including placing a curse on them," she said.

According to her, efforts are being made to ensure that the authorities of the Police College include a course on rape in their curriculum.

NAN