Stakeholders Express Concerns Over High Rates of Domestic Violence, Emotional Abuse, Child Abuse in Some Kaduna LGAs

From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

A group operating under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism has reported a troubling rise in domestic violence, emotional abuse, child abuse, and related issues following the COVID-19 lockdown.

Mr. Abel Hayas, State Program Officer of the group, made these statements during a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) meeting with case managers from Zaria, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, and Chikun Local Government Areas, where the project is currently active.

Hayas explained that the initiative emerged in response to the surge in GBV cases that followed the lockdown. “During the lockdown, it became evident that domestic violence, emotional abuse, child abuse, and related issues intensified,” he said. “This project aims to help the community combat these challenges.”

The meeting’s objective, according to Hayas, was to gather community feedback, identify existing cases, and agree on the necessary steps to address them.

He cited a recent case as a grim illustration of the problem: an elderly man who raped an 11-year-old girl in Narai was sentenced to prison but died in jail last month.

“That same man died in prison,” Hayas noted, adding that there was another unreported case involving a member of the Joint Task Force who defiled a two-year-old girl, who subsequently died.

Hayas emphasized the urgency of restoring community confidence so that neighbors feel safe leaving their children with one another. He warned that such incidents are on the rise and are often concealed by cultural and religious norms that discourage reporting.

“We have lawyers, human rights advocates, and counselors ready to help, free of charge,” he stated. “All we need is for people to speak up.”

He called on case managers to view their work as a mission, backed by the government and partners, and to respect confidentiality while pursuing justice. “If a survivor is not ready to open up, don’t expose them,” he cautioned.

Diji Obadiah Haruna, State Chairman of the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN), also spoke, highlighting the diversity of beliefs, traditions, and religions that make such dialogues essential. He expressed satisfaction with the gathering and requested opinions on GBV in Zaria.

Adawa Juliana, a case manager from Zaria LGA, shared her experience. “In Zaria, many GBV cases are under-reported,” she said. “People may whisper about a case—whether concerning a niece or neighbor—but they often avoid pursuing legal action due to fear of stigma, especially for female survivors who may be viewed as unmarriageable.” Juliana contrasted the situation in Zaria with Igebi, where she had previously worked and witnessed a few reported cases, noting that Zaria’s silence is more pronounced.

Juliana described the C19 COVID-19 Response Mechanism project, introduced by the Global Fund, which aims to establish a rapid response framework for any pandemic, including “human pandemics” like widespread rape, domestic violence, and child abuse.

She explained that the project includes a GBV component, staffed by five case managers across the LGAs, who conduct interviews, hold focus group discussions, and raise awareness.

She added that while many survivors are identified, they often hesitate to come forward, fearing retaliation or cultural repercussions. “When a perpetrator is arrested, he is often back on the street within days, ready to reoffend,” Juliana warned. “We need traditional leaders, including the Emir of Zaria, to declare GBV a disease that must be eradicated.”

The meeting concluded with a commitment to advocate to His Excellency, the Governor, and traditional rulers, urging them to treat GBV as a public health crisis that threatens the fabric of Kaduna’s communities. Participants agreed that only through collective action, legal enforcement, and cultural change can the state hope to curb the rising tide of gender-based violence.