The Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, has intervened in 226 cases of rape and unnatural offences mostly involving minors within three years of its operation.
Chairperson of the committee and wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, disclosed this on Friday when she led the committee members on a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed as part of activities for the 2023 16 Days of Activism at the Government House, Bauchi.
Aisha told the governor that part of the achievements of the committee was the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, noting that the centre provided free and confidential medical services to survivors of GBV in line with standard operational procedure.
She told the governor that, “Shelter/safe space was completed, furnished and equipped at the Sani Abacha Rehabilitation Centre, Bauchi, that provides a temporary home to survivors of GBV. Our committee also provides legal services and support to survivors. The committee also provides family economic strengthening and psychosocial support to survivors of GBV.
“The committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, has intervened in 226 cases of rape and unnatural offences, mostly involving minors; 68 cases of domestic violence and deprivation, 47 cases of child abuse and 53 family, social and economic strengthening.”
Aisha added that, “We are appealing to your good office to approve our proposal; the establishment of a mobile court that will fast track cases of GBV so that offenders will face the full wrath of the law.’
Responding, Gov Mohammed thanked his wife and the committee for complementing the effort of the state government in addressing GBV in the state and assured them of all necessary support to tackle the menace in the state.
The governor noted that, “In Bauchi, unfortunately, some of ritualists…have made this very bad habit to be so prevalent within us. As a people this is against our values, our culture and our tradition, and even our faith both as Muslims and Christians.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
