"Kebbi State Govt Acts Swiftly Against GBV, Sensitizes Tungan Giwa Community"

By : Umar Faruk, Birnin Kebbi 

 Shanga, Kebbi State, Nigeria - July 24, 2024 (Series News Online)

 A delegation from the Ministry for Women Affairs, Kebbi State, and the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (TWG-GBV) paid a working visit to Tungan Giwa community in Shanga Local Government Area on Friday. The visit aimed to deliver relief support, community sensitization, and stakeholder engagement following a recent case of GBV in the area.

 The delegation, led by Hajiya Rafa'atu Garba Hamman, representing Her Excellency, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Kauran Gwandu, First Lady of Kebbi State and Chairperson of the TWG on GBV, emphasized the gravity of the situation. According to Hajiya Rafa'atu Garba Hamman, "GBV can be committed by both men and women. We stress the need for vigilance, particularly regarding children's safety at home, school, and while in transit."

During the visit, which commenced at the palace of the Village Head, Comrade Nasiru Idris, Secretary of the TWG, outlined the purpose of the visit. Her Excellency conveyed her deep concern over the GBV incident, stating, "Such acts are intolerable. Perpetrators will face the full force of the law, and we encourage community members to report incidents promptly." Dr. Suwaiba Salihu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Women Affairs, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to justice and support for survivors, warning against stigmatizing victims.

 The father of the survivor, Mallam Dauda Tungan Giwa, expressed gratitude for the support, saying, "We appeal to the government to ensure justice is served." The Village Head, Hakimi Nura Umaru, thanked Her Excellency and the security agencies for their swift action, expressing hope that the incident would serve as a deterrent to others.

 The delegation then proceeded to the residence of the survivor's father to deliver relief materials, including baby clothes, soaps, and a financial donation of ₦200,000. Hajiya Rafa'atu Hamman urged the community to support the affected family and avoid stigmatization, stating, "We urge the community to support the affected family and avoid stigmatization. We also sensitize the youth on the importance of speaking up and avoiding involvement in harmful practices."

 The visit concluded with prayers and words of encouragement from Abdulmumin Musa Omiya, Public Relations Officer, Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (TWG-GBV), Kebbi State.