The 16 Days Activism Campaign Against Sexual Gender-Based Violence, which began on the November 21, 2021, in Benue state has ended with stakeholders advocating for “Special Courts” for prosecution of offenders.
The Next Edition reports that the First Lady of the State, Mrs Eunice Ortom, led a coalition of women groups, members of Civil Societies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and officials of government agencies on a march to create more awareness against gender-based violence.
During the road walk across major streets of Makurdi, participants who were smartly dressed in orange T-shirts and jean trousers also bored placards with various inscriptions such as “End Rape”, “Dialogue More To Resolve Conflict”, “Don’t Resort To Violence”, “Stop the Discrimination Against Women,” among others.
The groups called on stakeholders, religious and traditional institutions, the Benue people and other relevant authorities, saddled with the responsibility as first responders to gender base violence issues, to increase sensitization to mitigate violence against women and children.
Mrs Ortom who acknowledged the fact that the other gender are also violated, expressed hope that Benue would be free from the menace of violence against women and children.
The Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Mrs Gloria Bai, said the road walk marks an end of 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence.
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The NAPTIP Commander said the agency will stop at nothing to fight and ensure the menace is reduced.
Mrs Bai said many women especially young girls are dying in silence because they are afraid to come out and tell their stories.
She further stated that the last 16 days awareness creation was also to help victims speak up so that cases of violence can be reported.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter, Revd. Akpen Leva, who also stated that the church condemns the acts of violence against women and children, promised to raise awareness in churches.
He said the church will step up advocacy to reduce the menace.
Our correspondent reports that the road walk which ended in Government House, Makurdi, was part of activities bringing to the end the 16 days of activism to mark the 2021 World Human Right Day.
