Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye
24,720 gender-based violence cases reported nationwide in one month, says Minister
Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, disclosed on Tuesday that a total of 24,720 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases were reported across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from September to October 3.
Ms. Kennedy-Ohanenye conveyed this information during a briefing for journalists, addressing the prevalent issue of reported GBV, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and other harmful traditional practices in the country.
The minister stated, “We received reports of approximately 24,720 cases of various forms of violence reported across the 36 states and the FCT.”
”We also had 975 fatal cases, 1,505 cases that have been closed either at the court, community level, family, religious/traditional leaders or by the survivors themselves due to fear and intimidation.
“Also, 8,540 open cases are still pending either at the police station or within the court, while only 306 were convicted and sentenced within the last four years across the country.”
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While decrying the increasing figures, she urged stakeholders to urgently contribute towards eliminating the menace, which has become worrisome and affects the lives of citizens, particularly women and children.
The minister said that establishing mobile courts, especially in rural communities, will promote the rule of law and access to justice and enhance the criminal justice pathway to address violence against women and girls.
The minister stated that an ongoing investigation is in progress regarding the recent alleged molestation of a nine-year-old by her father, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensure justice is served.
Additionally, the minister expressed concern about cases of mob violence and called for decisive measures to prevent such incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In conclusion, she reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eradicate all types of violence, provide justice to victims and survivors, and actively support women empowerment and girl-child education.
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