Zainab Ali
The Katsina State Government on Tuesday announced new proactive measures to punish sexual offenders and protect children’s rights, as part of a renewed campaign to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.
The government reiterated its zero tolerance for all forms of gender-based violence, warning that perpetrators will face full prosecution.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, made the disclosure during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement in Katsina, organised by the Department of Girl Child and Child Development. Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Bala Zango, Faskari urged law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to diligently pursue GBV cases to ensure justice for survivors.
He announced the establishment of a special court under the State High Court, dedicated exclusively to GBV cases. The court is expected to fast-track hearings, reduce case backlogs, and ensure timely justice.
Faskari added that the sensitisation exercise aimed to celebrate progress made while raising awareness on safeguarding both male and female children. He noted that the state had domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, which strengthens the legal framework for prosecuting offenders and protecting survivors.
He also highlighted the establishment of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offering medical care, counselling, and legal guidance to individuals who experience sexual assault or harassment. He urged residents to report suspected GBV cases, stressing that “silence only empowers perpetrators, while timely reporting ensures justice and protection.”
The Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Radda on Girl Child Education, Jamila Abdu-Mani, described the engagement as timely, citing the recent surge in GBV cases in the state. Represented by Aminu Badaru-Jikamshi, Permanent Secretary of the department, she emphasised the need to strengthen awareness, improve case management systems, and work collectively to reduce GBV incidents.
Abdu-Mani also underscored the importance of girl child education as a key driver of empowerment, protection, and societal development.
Earlier, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stressed the urgent need to tackle both offline and online violence targeting women and girls, raising concerns over the growing threat of online harassment, extortion, and exploitation.