Akwa Ibom Records Over 1,420 Cases Of GBV Within Three Years

The Akwa Ibom State government has recorded over 1,410 cases of Gender-Based Violence within the last three years as concern grows over escalating attacks by intimate partners.

Mrs Emem Ette, Secretary of the State GBV management committee who stated this in Uyo, the state capital noted that cases of rape, Defilement and spousal attacks have been on the increase of late.

According to Ette, sensitization campaigns have been carried out to break the silence surrounding GBV, reduce societal stigma and encourage individuals to speak out while bylaws have been adopted to address the increasing cases of GBV in rural areas, where customary punishment is often favoured.

Barr. Emem Etteh explained that the age of criminal liability in Nigeria is set at seven years and any child accused of GBV crimes who falls within this age range will be placed in a rehabilitation facility.

Earlier, the coordinator, office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki warned that those involved in perpetrating GBV crimes would have themselves as the state government would deal with them accordingly.

Obareki who is the Chairperson, Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Management Committee, AksGBVMC, condemned all acts of sexual assault, domestic violence and Gender Based Violence, saying that they are not only a violation of human rights, but also a taint on the society’s reputation.

“We have called this meeting to address the recent and deeply troubling incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and Gender Based Violence in our state. These acts are not only a violation of human rights but also a stain on our collective conscience as a society,” she said.

She noted strides have been recorded in recent times with the rescue of three human trafficking survivors, arrest of six persons for defiling a 14 year old boy, initiation of legal proceedings against perpetrators, establishment of reporting mechanism, among other efforts.

She called on the public to report cases of sexual abuse, domestic and gender based violence as well as urged victims to endeavor to speak out immediately.

“While we acknowledge the progress made, we recognise that there is still much work to be done. We remain committed to ensuring justice for survivors, holding perpetrators accountable and creating a safer environment for all. Let us break the culture of silence together. let us stand united against GBV.”

Present were notable representatives, including the Chairpersons of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Helen Umana, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Nsikak Okon, the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr. Uduak Usanga along with other members of the State GBV Management Committee.

Akwa Ibom Records Over 1,420 Cases Of GBV Within Three Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper