From Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has secured 11 convictions of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) offenders in 2024. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Kaduna.
Hajiya Rabi revealed that the state was ranked 3rd in reporting GBV cases nationwide and 1st in the North, according to the National Dashboard. She clarified that the state reported a 30 percent increase in GBV reporting, not in GBV cases as previously stated.
“In the state government’s efforts to address GBV, four operational Sexual Referral and Assault Centers, one in each senatorial zone, are supported by a dedicated budget from the state government,” she said. These centers now focus on preventive measures rather than merely responding to cases, ensuring a proactive approach to tackling GBV.
Hajiya Rabi highlighted that the Ministry of Justice has streamlined the judicial process for GBV cases, enabling advisory opinions to be issued within three days. “This has curtailed delays and led to swifter justice for victims,” she added.
She noted that in 2024, Kaduna State secured convictions in 11 GBV cases, a remarkable milestone, particularly in northern Nigeria, where securing even two convictions annually was a challenge in the past. “Most of the convictions resulted in life imprisonment, with some cases carrying the death penalty. Convicted individuals cannot benefit from prison decongestion programs, ensuring justice is served.
“This is a significant achievement for Kaduna State, especially when compared to other states in the North. It all happened under this administration,” she stated.
The commissioner credited the increase in GBV reporting to the efforts of the state government and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the growing trust in government institutions. She added, “Before, many GBV cases were reported anonymously, but now, victims and their families come forward to make formal complaints.
“For forced marriages where many victims run away from their homes, we have recorded only eight this year. Previously, we used to get more than 300 in a year. This is a great achievement for the state government in its proactive efforts to address GBV.”
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