By ibrahima yakubu The Kaduna State Government has secured 11 convictions of offenders involved in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in 2024.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, during an interview with journalists on Sunday in Kaduna.
Salisu also noted that the state ranks third in the country for reporting GBV cases and is the highest in the North, according to the National Dashboard.
However, she clarified that the state had reported a 30% increase in GBV reporting, not a 30% rise in actual GBV cases, as initially reported.
In its efforts to combat GBV, the state government has established four operational Sexual Referral and Assault Centers, one in each senatorial zone, with funding from the state budget. These centers now focus on prevention, alongside case management, to ensure a proactive approach to tackling GBV.
The commissioner also highlighted that the Ministry of Justice has streamlined the judicial process for GBV cases, enabling advisory opinions to be issued within three days. She explained, “This has reduced delays and led to quicker justice for victims.”
In 2024, Kaduna secured 11 convictions in GBV cases—an impressive achievement, especially in northern Nigeria, where securing even two convictions annually has traditionally been a challenge.
“Most of these convictions resulted in life imprisonment, with some cases carrying the death penalty. Convicted individuals are also excluded from prison decongestion programs, ensuring that justice is served,” she added.
This achievement is particularly significant for Kaduna, given its historical context. The commissioner credited the increase in GBV reporting to the joint efforts of the state government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and growing public trust in government institutions.
Salisu further remarked, “Previously, many GBV cases were reported anonymously, but now victims and their families are coming forward to make formal complaints.”
Regarding forced marriages, where victims often flee their homes, she reported a sharp decline, with only eight cases recorded this year, compared to over 300 annually in the past. “This is a remarkable achievement for the state government in its proactive approach to addressing GBV,” she said.
