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By our Correspondent
The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, has announced a significant reduction in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in Kaduna State.
The commissioner was speaking in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Kaduna, saying the state has also strengthens it’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARCs)
She said that the State is ranked third on the National Dashboard for GBV reporting in Nigeria and holds the top position among all northern states, including Abuja. “This is a significant achievement that more people need to recognize. We are making great strides in preventing GBV in the state.”
Hajiya Rabi clarified that the state has seen a 30% increase in GBV reporting, which reflects improved awareness and trust in the system, not a rise in GBV incidents as previously misinterpreted.
She said ,the achievement is attributed to intensified sensitization campaigns and the strengthening of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the state.She disclosed that Kaduna has four operational SARCs, one in each senatorial zone, supported by a dedicated budget from the state government.
According to her “These centres 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.
The commissioner said ,this has curtailed delays and led to swifter justice for victims.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”she said.
She further noted that 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 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the growing trust in government institutions. “Before, many GBV cases were reported anonymously, but now, victims and their families come forward to make formal complaints,” she said.
She also clarified that GBV encompasses more than rape, including early and forced marriages, child labor, domestic abuse, and psychological violence.(www.krestnews.com).
