Nasarawa Records 852 Cases of Gender-Based Violence Within Nine Months

The Nasarawa State Government said 852 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been reported in the state from January to
September 2025.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Hauwa Jugbo,
made this known at a news conference in Lafia on Tuesday as part of events to commemorate
the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
GBV refers to any act of violence directed against an individual based on his or her gender.
It is a widespread menace that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, manifesting in various forms such as physical, sexual and psychological violence, including intimate partner abuse, trafficking and forced prostitution, considered as serious violation of human right.
NAN also reports that the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is a United Nations’ international campaign that runs from Nov. 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through Dec. 10, which is the International Human Rights Day.
This period highlights that violence against women is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights worldwide.
The campaign started in 1991 as a strategic effort to unite and amplify calls for the elimination of violence against women and girls and each year, the 16 Days of Activism galvanises organisations around the world and draws the attention of governments to the urgent and critical issues around GBV.
The theme for the 2025 16 Days of Activism is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
The Nasarawa commissioner, therefore, said that in spite of efforts by the Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration in domesticating the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and prosecution of perpetrators, GBV cases were still on the rise.
She explained that the government would continue to ensure stringent measures against perpetrators in line with the law, irrespective of their relationship with the victims, to serve as deterrent to others.
She added that “we have strengthened the operations of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to ensure timely and coordinated response to surviving victims.”
Jugbo, however, expressed worry over increasing cases of technology-facilitated GBV and urged women and other vulnerable groups to be wary of whom they engage with on digital platforms.
She listed some of the technology-facilitated GBV to include cyber stalking and online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online bullying and blackmail, digital impersonation and identity theft, among others.
The commissioner said that the reputation of victims of GBV is destroyed, their mental health is weakened, and they face physical and emotional harm.
Jugbo provided emergency lines to report cases of GBV to SARC for victims to get help.
She said GBV survivors should call the 122 emergency line to report a case and the 08069388668 helpline of SARC.
Jugbo added that the most worrisome thing was the feeling of entitlement and lack of empathy by the perpetrators because of the assumed rights they claimed they had over the survivors.
“Sadly, most of these cases are not reported to government to address them and punish the perpetrators.
“This unfortunate scenario may lead to injuries and death or leave the survivors with unresolved anxieties that affect their personalities, growth and development for life.”
She, therefore, said that the state has zero tolerance for GBV and warned those in the habit to desist or, if caught, would face the full wrath of the law.
She promised that the government would continue to prioritise the protection of the rights of the vulnerable to ensure that they achieved their full potential.
She appreciated all partners, including journalists, who have been part of efforts to tackle GBV in the state, adding that government needed the support of all stakeholders towards eradicating the menace.