The Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’Adua, has called on parents and caregivers to stop covering up cases of Gender-Based Violence, regardless of their relationship with the offenders.
Speaking on Friday at a Community Sensitisation on Gender-Based Violence workshop in Tudun Yan-lihidda, Katsina, Yar’Adua emphasized the urgent need to hold perpetrators accountable. The event, themed Say No to GBV, Demand Accountability, Stand for Justice, Support Survivors, brought together women’s groups and stakeholders across the state.
To combat the rising cases of GBV, the Commissioner announced that emergency toll-free lines are available for victims and witnesses to report incidents.
While the system is not a new initiative, she reassured residents that it remains active and accessible.
“We have resolved to engage directly with parents and their children. It is our duty to protect them, and we will be held accountable in the hereafter,” she said.
Yar’Adua expressed concern that many parents fail to cooperate with authorities in prosecuting GBV offenders, which enables the abuse to continue.
“Our findings show that gender-based violence happens daily. It is not something to hide, and we will ensure offenders face the full wrath of the law,” she stated.
She cited a recent case where a 10-year-old boy reported being sexually assaulted for over a year by a security guard. The victim’s mother brought the case to the Women Affairs Ministry, highlighting the reality of such abuse.
The Commissioner also condemned forced marriages, noting that many young girls are being married off against their will and subsequently abused by their husbands.
“We will remain committed to fighting this injustice and ensuring that survivors receive the support they deserve,” she assured.
The event saw the participation of several women’s rights groups and community leaders across Katsina State, reinforcing the need for collective action against GBV.
