By Amos Aar
STAKEHOLDERS in Benue State from various sectors on Monday convened in Makurdi to chart a way forward toward tackling the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
The one-day parley, themed: “Towards Beijing+30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” was organised by the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The event aimed at strengthening local government involvement in the fight against GBV, featured key discussions on empowering traditional leaders, local government chairmen, and their wives to drive change at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the event, Leo Angelo Viashima, Director-General of BICD, emphasized the importance of the parley in addressing GBV at its root. He stated:
“This period of 16 days of activism serves as a campaign against sexual and gender-based violence. It is a time to stand with survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and commit to not perpetuating such behaviors. Governor Alia’s administration has demonstrated commitment by enabling legislative frameworks, such as the disability law, which aims to protect the most vulnerable in society. We must build strong systems to reduce GBV in our communities.”
Viashima highlighted the critical role of local government autonomy in ensuring lasting impact, adding that engaging local government chairmen and their wives is a deliberate effort to make grassroots leaders champions of GBV prevention.
Hon. Maurice Orwough, chairman of Guma LGA and state ALGON chairman, expressed his resolve to implement GBV prevention strategies in rural areas.
“Our assignment is to preach the message at the grassroots, ensure its proper handling, and encourage compliance. My wife and I already run an NGO addressing these issues, and I urge other local government chairmen to do the same to drive meaningful change,” Orwough said.
Linda Ene Dirisu, Benue State Coordinator of Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC), presented alarming statistics, revealing that the state recorded 7,762 cases of GBV as of May 2024, the highest in the country. She noted that while the previous administration offered limited support, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership has revived the agency, sparking hope for progress in addressing GBV.
Hon. James Ejeh, chairman of Agatu LGA, recounted the devastating impact of GBV during herder-related crises in his community. He described the rescue of two teenage girls who had been kidnapped, raped, and severely traumatised. “The extent of their abuse is heartbreaking. One of the girls, just 15 years old, is still undergoing surgery due to the physical damage inflicted on her,” he lamented.
As the parley concluded, Viashima charged local government chairmen and their wives to become champions for women and girls in their communities. He urged them to take ownership of GBV prevention efforts, establish local frameworks, and advocate for cultural change.
The event, which featured panel discussions and goodwill messages, demonstrated a collective resolve to end GBV in Benue State. Stakeholders agreed that sustained efforts, combined with government backing and grassroots involvement, are essential to eradicating violence against women and girls.
