Development Watchers: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE(GBV): NIGERIA POLICE CREATE MORE SEARCHLIGHTS

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE(GBV): NIGERIA POLICE CREATE MORE SEARCHLIGHTS

Gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria has turned into a daily brief, escalating the vulnerability of young people and women who are mostly involved.

Gender-based violence is a human rights violation, it is considered prevalent, touching and mutilating our social balance base.

The 2024 report from Sexual Assault Referral Centres indicates a staggering prevalence record of gender-based violence and abuse:

9% of Nigerian women have experienced sexual violence.

19.5% of young girls are victims of female genital mutilation 

31% of Nigerian women have experienced physical violence  43.4% of young girls are victims of child marriage, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

In Nigeria, there are national guidelines on gender-based violence. They include the Referral Guide on Communication Strategy Against Gender-Based Violence and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act(VAPP), which provides operating terms for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

To beef up the tracking of gender-based violence in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police have initiated a working commitment that will get closer to Nigerians.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D has approved the expansion of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desk offices to all police divisions nationwide. In a press release dated 15th February 2025 and signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the release stated, “This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and ensure easier access to justice for citizens.”

In driving this commitment closer to the people, the IGP has approved that the “divisional GBV desk officers will now oversee the Juvenile Women, and Children (JWC) section in their divisions.” He noted that “this integration is designed to provide a holistic approach to handling gender-based violence and related cases, fostering a supportive environment for victims and ensuring swift justice delivery.”

The IGP, in establishing a proactive response to Nigerians’ yelling, urges Nigerians to take bold steps in reporting “incidents of violence and take advantage of these desk offices to seek justice and protection.”

Hon. Engr(Chief) Julius O. Dike, JP