The Bauchi State Action Committee against Gender Based Violence, in its three years of establishment, has disclosed that no fewer than 226 cases of minor rape have been recorded and treated.
The disclosure was made by the First lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, when she led a delegation of Women on a courtesy visit to the Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir at the Government House over the weekend as part of the activities to mark the 2023 16 Days of Activism on violence against women and girls.
She noted that the Committee, during its operation within three years, recorded great success in fighting against GBV in the state.
The First Lady, who doubles as the chairperson of the Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, said that since the inception of the Committee, some successes have been recorded.
According to her, the successes included the establishment of referral centers, centre for free medical services to survivors of GBV, and a temporary shelter space furnished and equipped at Sani Abacha ward.
Others are embarking on wide sensitisation on GBV, providing free legal services to victims of GBV, providing family economic incentives and psychosocial support.
According to her, “the Committee in three years, in collaboration with some agencies and stakeholders have successfully intervened in resolving 226 cases of rape on natural offences mostly involving minors, 68 cases of domestic violence and prevention, 47 cases of child abuse as well as 53 family and social economic strengthen, paid sensitisation visit to Nine LGAs.”
She, however, appealed to the governor for the establishment of a mobile court to fast-track the cases of GBV so that the perpetrators of GBV would face the full wrath of the law.
The First lady commended Bala Mohammed for his support and contributions to the development of the committee, assuring him of their continued collaboration for the growth and development of Bauchi State.
Aisha Mohammed used the medium to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Welfare and Child Development for their support since the inception of the Committee.
In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed thanked and appreciated the committee for a job well done and promised that his administration’s total support toward achieving the desired objectives in the state.
Bala Mohammed used the medium to call on the authorities’ concern to make sure to prosecute whoever found responsible, adding that the GBV is against culture, tradition and norms describing it as unfortunate and a serious scourge.
He assured that his administration will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance the welfare of women and children in an effort to eradicate the sexual and gender-based violence.
While applauding members of the Committee for their active participation in educating the public on the effects of the abuses, Bala Mohammed vowed to intensify effort by taking the responsibility as the leader with a call on stakeholders across the state to rally behind the advocacy to ensure the success of the campaign.
The Governor called on the action group to look inward by involving parents, civil organizations, religious and local leaders in the campaign, emphasizing the importance of being circumspect and providing security agencies with needful information.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensuring criminals are crushed and dealt with, issuing a stern warning that anybody caught over indulging or sabotaging the campaign will not be entertained.
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