Stakeholders, security agencies mobilise to tackle GBV in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

Stakeholders and law enforcement agencies are enjoined to effective synergise and strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the FCT.

Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, asserted this during a meeting with stakeholders and representatives of law enforcement agencies.

Benjamins-Laniyi noted the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to win the war against GBV.

She also called for stringent punishment for convicted sexual offenders to serve as a deterrent to other offenders.

She said: “We need to work together as government agencies, law enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations and other Non-Governmental Organisations and religious groups to curb GBV in our communities.

“I urge all of you to contribute your expertise and professionalism in combating GBV in the FCT.

“FCTA is open for collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders and government agencies so that we will all be on the same page. This is very crucial to winning the war against GBV in FCT.”

Similarly, the Disability Desk Officer in the secretariat, Beatrice Mube, also noted the need to intensify the protection of persons with disabilities due to their increased vulnerability to GBV.

Mube advocated for engagement of interpreters and sign language for the deaf and dumb, to enable them to report abuse incidents to relevant authorities.

“There is also a very urgent need for ramps in public places to enable persons with disabilities access such buildings and facilities,” she said.

Also speaking,, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Funmilayo Kolawole, disclosed that the Nigeria Police was doing the best it can to prosecute GBV offenders.

Kolawole also opined that sex offenders should have a higher prison sentence.

According the Police officer: “We are ready to work, but require support from relevant stakeholders, particularly funding to boost the campaign against GBV.”