A Bauchi based NGO, ‘Attal Sisters’ Helping Hands Foundation’ (ASHHF) has called for state of emergency on sexual and gender based violence against women.
Mrs Comfort Attal, the Executive Director of the organisation made the call on Friday while on a peaceful protest to the state Commissioner for Justice, Yakubu Bello.
According to Attal, the State Government should institute a motion in the House of Assembly to declare state of emergency on sexual and gender based violence.
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She told the commissioner that since the outbreak of COVID-19, violence against women has increased with 50 per cent in the state.
“I’m devastated at the escalating reports of violence against women and girls in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.
“Since the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic, the number of calls has increased on our hotline services.
“Violence against women has increased as high as 50 per cent in Bauchi state while in some states, service providers couldn’t assist victims as they were trapped at home with their abuser because of lack of access to phones or transportation.
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“I am urging you to speak out on this issue on the floor of the House to push a motion to declare a state of emergency on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the state and in Nigeria at large,” she urged.
The executive director stressed that rape was both an inhuman and degrading treatment against women and girls, adding that it was a disrespect to dignity and has lasting negative effect on victims.
“In the past one week, 16-year old girl was abducted and ganged raped in Bauchu state; Uwa was raped and killed in a Church in Benin; Tina was shot dead in Lagos; 13-year-old girl was raped by 11 men in Jigawa, Barakat was rapped and stabbed to death.
“Those are only few reported in the news, we need justice, we need a state of emergency declared today.
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“On this note, there is need for the state and the federal government to declare a state of emergency and to pass the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
“will you lead in the fight?” the executive director asked.
In his reaction, Bello said that the state government would take measures to ensure that those found wanting would not go unpunished.
The commissioner, also the state Attorney General urged the organization to always collaborate with the police and keep the ministry of Justice apprised of latest happening of such violence case, especially those that had been reported to the police.
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“I want to assure you that we are Attal Sisters’ Helping Hands Foundation conducting a peaceful protest on the need for Bauchi govt. to declare state of emergency on sexual and gender based violence in the state. leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we address this menace of girl-child vulnerable rights as regard to women violence,” the commissioner said.
