Stakeholders in Jigawa State have called for stronger collaboration and increased public reporting of gender-based violence (GBV) cases to curb the rising menace across the state and the North-West region.
The call was made during a state dialogue on combating GBV in Jigawa State, organised under the Male Feminist Project executed by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
Speaking at the event, Programme Officer of the project, Sani Saidu Muhammad, said the dialogue was convened to hear from key stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies, on the root causes of GBV and practical ways to address it.
He noted that Jigawa records one of the highest numbers of underreported GBV cases, stressing the need to engage communities and institutions to ensure survivors and witnesses speak out.
According to him, many incidents of rape, domestic violence, and other abuses go unreported because of cultural, religious, and social norms, as well as the stigma attached to such cases.
He said the organisers hope to see a rise in reported cases, not because violence is increasing, but because victims and community members are breaking their silence.
Muhammad urged residents to report every case of abuse, saying, “When you see something, say something. If people keep silent, the cases will continue to increase, and perpetrators will go unpunished.”
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer of Dutse Division, Shehu Hamdallahi, advised members of the public to always report GBV-related offences, assuring that offenders would be prosecuted according to the law.
He commended the Jigawa State Government for implementing the Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Law, describing it as a major step toward protecting vulnerable persons.
Religious leaders at the dialogue also pledged to sensitise the public on the importance of reporting gender-based violence and supporting survivors.
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