By Jabir Ridwan
Stakeholders in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State have raised fresh concerns over the rising incidence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), calling for urgent and coordinated action to curb the menace across communities.
The call was made during a Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence held on Thursday, January 23, 2026, at the Palace of the Sarkin Bunza.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, government officials, civil society actors, and community leaders.
Opening the engagement at about 2:50 p.m., the Sarkin Bunza Dr Aminu Haliru Bunza expressed deep concern over the increasing number of GBV cases recorded in the local government area, describing the situation as alarming.
He urged all stakeholders to take collective responsibility in addressing the problem and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.
Comrade Nasiru Idris, State Coordinator of the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Kebbi State, and Secretary of the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (TWG on GBV), presented an overview of GBV.
He highlighted its various forms, prevalence, and far-reaching social consequences, stressing that community participation remains central to prevention efforts.
Also speaking, Dr. Nura, Director and Medical Consultant of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), outlined reported GBV cases handled by the Centre.
He emphasized the importance of timely reporting and the need for strong coordination among stakeholders to ensure effective response and survivor support.
The Public Relations Officer of the TWG on GBV, Kebbi State, Abdulmumin Musa Omiya, provided an overview of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law as applicable in Kebbi State.
He explained offences and penalties covering rape, family abandonment, obstruction of justice, stalking, battering, and related acts, noting that legal awareness is a key tool in preventing GBV.
Mallam Bashar Musa, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Data Management Officer of the TWG on GBV, identified major socio-economic and cultural factors driving GBV within communities. He called for urgent collective action and encouraged prompt reporting of cases to security agencies and other relevant authorities.
The engagement was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside religious and traditional leaders and other members of the Bunza Emirate Council, reflecting broad institutional commitment to tackling GBV.
Meanwhile, a parallel sensitization session was held for women during a women’s gathering. Balkisu Bawa and the SARC Centre Manager, Hajiya Safiya Isa, educated participants on SARC services and reported cases, reiterating that all services provided by the Centre are free of charge.
Hajiya Maimuna Abdullahi emphasized the importance of reporting GBV cases and warned against the dangers of girl-child hawking and lack of access to education, while also underscoring the relevance of the VAPP Law. Dr. Nafisa Zaki, wife of the Sarkin Bunza, encouraged women to speak out against abuse, noting that patriarchal structures often contribute to the silence of survivors.
In his closing remarks, the Sarkin Bunza, Dr. Aminu Bunza, reaffirmed his commitment to ending GBV in the local government area.
He warned that perpetrators would be made to face justice and disclosed that the names of convicted offenders would be publicly announced within the community as a deterrent.
He stressed that Gender-Based Violence must be completely eradicated in Bunza Local Government Area.
The engagement was contained in a statement signed by Abdulmumin Musa Omiya,Public Relations Officer, Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, Kebbi State.