Minister Calls For Sever Punishment For SGBV Violators

By Binta Nuan

Federal Government says it will continue to ensure that perpetretors of gender based violence in the country are punished according to the law..

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known after a solidarity walk to Nasarawa State government’s House in lafia as part of activities marking this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Vehicular activities were temporarily halted along some major roads within lafia the Nasarawa state Capital during the solidarity walk led by the First Lady, Hajiya Salifat Sule, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i Ibrahim, members of National Council for Women Societies NCWS, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Members of the Civil Society Organization (CSOs) Development Partners, Ministries, Department and Agencies, to the government house as part of activities lined up for the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The women who carried placards with various inscriptions calling for the end of GBV in the country, also used the opportunity to sensitize people along the road on the dangers of SGBV with distribution of flyers.

Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman said the campaign was aimed at creating awareness about the prevalence of rape and sexual violence in communities and efforts to put an end to the menace.

Nasarawa State commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i Ibrahim, who is the Convener of the event, described Gender – Based violence as a potential murder case.

She commended the Federal Ministry of women Affairs for working tirelessly in reaching out to the surviovors of gender-based violence in the country..

Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i called on victims of Sexual and Gender-Based violence to always speak out to authorities concern for papetrators of the act to face the wrath of the law.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, while commending the women for always being in the forefront in the fight against Sexual and gender-based violence, said the state has established a law that will prosecute any one found wanting in the act.

A survivor of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Miss Gloria Joshua, who spoke on behalf of other victims appreciated the Nasarawa state government for their support and encouragement..

Highlights of the event were cash donations and materials to the survivors of SGBV.