Cases of GB violence on decrease in Adamawa – Official

Mrs. Rifkatu Gwandi, the Permanent Secretary in the Adamawa Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, says cases of gender-based violence (GBV) are decreasing.

Gwandi stated this in an interview with the newsmen in Yola on Wednesday.

She attributed the success recorded to the commitment of the state government, the ongoing implementation of Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the support of partners and other stakeholders in the state.

“ Though we still have reports here and there but it is not as it was before.

"The frequency has drastically reduced because the perpetrators are always brought to justice and justice is ensured for the victim.

"Advocacy is also being carried out by the ministry, while other stakeholders have really been of help,” she said.

Gwandi said that the state government, in collaboration with the wife of the governor, Hajiya Lami Fintiri, participated in a series of activities to commemorate this year’s 16 days of activism against GBV.

She called on all stakeholders not to relent in their efforts, saying the ministry would always welcome partnerships.

The permanent secretary also urged survivors to speak out so that necessary action could be taken against perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others.

“If we do not hear the voices of victims, the perpetrators will continue to do whatever they are doing because they feel nothing will happen to them.

“So I call on parents, school heads, and stakeholders to be in the vanguard of making sure that what is heard about GBV is not kept secret,” she said.