Borno state government says it has taken deliberate steps to reduce cases of gender based violence in IDP camps and communities in the state.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo stated this while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri.
The Commissioner noted with concern that in 2020 alone, the ministry recorded 622 rape cases and 53 convictions.
According to her, this worrying figures informed the measures taken to lessen the unfortunate situation which include discouraging family settlement of rape cases, hawking, engaging stakeholders to sensitize mothers against culture of silence and empowerment of vulnerable women among others.
“It is reducing in the sense that people are now aware that if they are caught, if a case is made against them, they will be held accountable to the law, before people do it with impunity. I have a case now that is before one of the judges, four men raped a young girl, in fact if not for Covid-19 they would have been convicted.
Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo announced that the Violent Against Persons Prohibition Bill would soon be passed into law while the Child Rights Bill will be presented to the House of Assembly at the end of stakeholder consultations.
She encouraged mothers to develop strong bond with their daughters so to discuss any issue that affects them.
The Commissioner also raised concern over increase cases of sodomy in rural areas where young boys are being abused.
Hajiya Zuwaira said her ministry is in touch with the ministry of justice to develop legislation and other alternative means of addressing the menace.
Dauda Iliya