The Emir of Nafada Emirate Council in Gombe State, Alhaji Hamza Dadum, has directed District Heads and community leaders to take immediate action against perpetrators of rape and other forms of Gender-Based Violence in their respective areas.
“At a time we expect to be good or first in agriculture and food production instead we are doing good in rape and drugs abuse,” the Emir said, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
He emphasised the need to strengthen community involvement and promote a culture of zero tolerance towards all forms of violence against women and girls.
“As custodians of tradition and our community values, district heads, village and community leaders must unite to shape societal norms and behaviors. We need to demonstrate a united front against this menace,” Dadum added.
The Emir directed the district heads to set up committees to sensitise residents, monitor, and report cases for prompt action by Friday.
He also urged the Wife of the Gombe State Governor and other stakeholders to employ grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation in combating the issue.
Speaking earlier, Yahaya called for an end to violence against women and girls in Gombe State, decrying the alarming spate of violence against women and girls.
“The rate of gbv is 87.96 per cent. We are here because of the importance and the need to end this menace. We want the local government areas to support in curbing GBV in the state. Alot of such activities happen in the communities, we want as many persons affected to speak out,” she added.
Emphasising the importance of the sensitisation the Wife of the Governor told a gathering Nafada school that everyone one must unite to tackling violence against girls, “We want the child protection law to be stepped down across the LGAs. Since it was passed and assented by the governor, not many people are aware about the law.”
Wife of Nafada Chairman, Jamila Gambo, while welcoming the governor’s wife delegation assured that efforts would be put in place towards sensitising residents on the dangers of GBV.
At the Funakaye LGA, Yahaya further harped on the dangers of GBV, warning against the culture of silence.
She noted that the state has enabling laws including Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and Child Protection law already existing in the state stressing that when residents are informed about the instrument of the law, “it will go a long way to mitigating violence against women and girls in the LGA and the entire state,” she added.
Wife of Funakaye LGA boss, Hajiya Aishatu Abdulrahman, assured that the LGA will Key into efforts of the state targeted at mitigating abuse against women and girls.
On her part, Aisha Kwairanga, Wife of Emir of Funakaye, assured that the traditional institution would support the LGA in its effort to eliminate violence.
She disclosed that GBV has overwhelming consequences on victims, urging perpetrators to rethink.
Also, Counsellor representing Bajoga West Abubakar Yaya, commended Hajiya Asma’u Yahaya for sensitising his constituents.
He called on youths and parents to rise against GBV in the LGA, saying ” I want to appreciate the first lady Hajiya Asma’u Yahaya, who is represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs for sensitising our women on the dangers of GBV we appreciate. I wish to also urge youths and our parents to stand against violence against women and girls.”
