By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna
The Niger State Government has raised the alarm over the rising cases of rape, sexual molestation and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls in Kontagora Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, raised the concern during a working visit to the palace of the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammad Bara’u Mu’azu, where she sought the support of the traditional institution in tackling the disturbing trend.
Kuta, in a statement personally signed by her and made available to Newsline Online in Minna, said the ministry under her leadership would no longer tolerate the increasing incidents of rape, girl-child molestation and other forms of violence against women and vulnerable persons in the state.
The Commissioner condemned the acts in strong terms, describing them as barbaric, ungodly and a serious violation of the dignity, safety and future of women and girls.
“I strongly condemn these heinous acts that violate the dignity, safety and future of our women and girls. Rape is a crime against humanity. It destroys lives, families and trust within our society,” she said.
She warned perpetrators that the government would intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for rape and other gender-related offences are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“As a government, and as a people, we must put an end to these crimes. As a government, we must say enough is enough. There must be no hiding place for perpetrators of these inhuman acts against our girls and women. The Ministry of Women Affairs under my watch will go all out for them this time,” Kuta declared.
The Commissioner disclosed that the ministry would collaborate with the judiciary, security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that perpetrators of rape, sexual violence and other gender-based offences are brought to justice.
She also appealed to parents and guardians to stop shielding perpetrators, urging them to report offenders within their communities promptly to enable the authorities to take appropriate action.
Receiving the Commissioner and her entourage, the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammad Bara’u Mu’azu, described the rising cases of rape and other forms of gender-based violence in the emirate as disturbing.
The monarch commended the Commissioner for the visit and assured her of the traditional institution’s support in the fight against the menace.
He directed all District Heads under his domain to work closely with security agencies to ensure that every reported case of rape is immediately documented and pursued to the full extent of the law.
The Emir further called on parents, community and religious leaders as well as other citizens to break the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence by speaking up against perpetrators and supporting survivors.
He said the Niger State Government, under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, remains committed to strengthening prevention, response and survivor-support services across the state’s 25 local government areas.
“I call on parents, community leaders, religious leaders and all citizens to speak up and help us break the culture of silence. Together, we will intensify awareness, support survivors and ensure justice for all,” the monarch said.
