Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence has recorded 218 cases of gender-based violence across the state, including rape, domestic violence, child abuse, forced marriage, child exploitation, and family disputes.
Chairperson of the committee and wife of Bauchi State Governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed, made this known during a media chat in Bauchi.
For many survivors of abuse, silence often prolongs pain and delays justice.
To change this reality, Aisha Bala Mohammed, says the Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence was established to protect vulnerable persons, support survivors, and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
According to her, the committee has made significant progress since its inauguration, securing 34 convictions in several cases, while many others are still being prosecuted in court.
She, however, identified delays in the judicial process and lengthy legal procedures as major obstacles to the speedy resolution of cases.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender-Based Violence, Sha’awanatu Yusuf, says the committee has handled 94 rape cases, 37 domestic violence cases, 51 family dispute cases, 19 forced marriage cases, 11 child abuse cases, five child exploitation cases, and one abduction case.
She adds that many of the criminal cases were taken to court, with some offenders already convicted and serving prison sentences.
While commending journalists and other stakeholders for their support, Aisha Bala Mohammed urged members of the public to report cases of abuse to the committee for intervention, mediation, and referral for legal action where necessary.
She says ending gender-based violence requires collective action and greater public awareness to protect women and children from abuse.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
