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Combating SGBV: FG, UN agencies, Stakeholders Advised to Step Up Funding
Combating SGBV: FG, UN agencies, Stakeholders Advised to Step Up Funding
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government, United Nations and all relevant stakeholders have been advised to step up fundings and investment in the ongoing battle against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in order to consign the malady to history.
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Women Aspire Empowerment Initiative (WAEI) gave this advice at the weekend in Abuja as part of it’s activities to commemorate the 2023, 16 days activism.
Making the appeal at a summit set to establishing grassroot women advocacy and activism movement to stop Violence Against Women and Girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Founder WAEI, Dr. Bibiana Okereafor stressed the need to address the socio-economic demands of survivors of SGBV, by empowering women and girls to reduce the inequality that exists in the society, and also continue to advocate for the reduction of gender based violence through the implementation of laws and policies to stop Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWGs).
Okereafor said: “Practical evidence shows that strong and independent women movements are the most important force to drive policy change in GBV. Unfortunately, such women entities and movements that are key drivers of mobilization/recruitment are not being funded.
“Increasing funding sources that are long term in nature to finance Women-focused rights organisations is key to funding solutions and response to VAWGs in Nigeria.”
She added that: “We are calling on the federal government through the office of the Women Affairs Minister, Barrister Uju Kennedy to push for the inclusion of Funding Organisations that are involved in the fight to prevent VAWG, as well as the rehabilitation of existing victims/survivors and reduce incidents of future violence.
“We also call on Federal Government organizations, states, international bodies, UN Women & Corporate organizations, high net-worth individuals within and outside Nigeria to give financial support to stop continued VAWG in Nigeria.
Okereafor further questioned the intentionality of government about ending VAWG, noting that the poor distribution of amount allocated to the nation through international funding as well as the distribution of generated funds among organisation’s working to stop Violence Against Women and Girls.
She also called for the speedy legislation of the 5 Gender Based Bills thrown out by the 9th Assembly, and the creation of a one stop centre for the victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, medical, psychosocial and counselling for female survivors of Sexual Assault.
Delivering his keynote Address, Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Tijani Ahmed noted that violence against women and girls is a pressing global issue that requires collective attention and action, lamenting that human lost due to violence against women and girls is incalculable and an unfortunate reality that continues to persist.
He however commended the call for establishment of a grassroots women’s advocacy and activism movement stating that “it is an essential step. Such a movement aims to empower women and girls, provide them with a platform to raise their voices and promote gender equality in all aspects of life. By mobilizing at the grassroots level, we can ensure that the voices of marginalized women and girls and their specific needs are addressed.
Ahmed, who was represented by an Assistant Director in the Commission, Comfort Sanni said: “To establish a successful grassroots movement, we need to focus on key areas, awareness and education: This movement should start by raising awareness about violence against women and girls.
“We need to educate communities, both rural and urban, about the various forms of violence and their detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole. By dispelling and challenging stereotypes, we can change attitudes and foster a culture of respect and gender equality
“In the FCT, we must take a firm stand against such acts of violence and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society for everyone. This is the bane of this year’s commemoration,” he said.
Also, Women and Children’s rights activist and Public Analyst, Nana Kazaure reiterated that violence meted to women have grave consequences on their well being, stating that it is a greater cause of ill health than traffic accidents and malaria combined.
Kazaure also stated that “as troubling as these incidents are, they do not evoke in Nigerians, the needed empathy to prompt them to action. Instead, a pervasive culture of silence pervades the land as everyone stuck in our traditional “siddon look” or “waka pass mode re-in forced by our see no evil, hear no evil mindset.
“Traditional attitudes of hostility and discrimination against women underpinned by mindless stereotyping, have been exacerbated by violence perpetrated by corporate non-state actors and individuals across all the geopolitical zones of the country with hundreds of thousands of women and their children uprooted from their homes and handed off to Internally Displaced Persons camps where the majority of them become victims of rape of camp officials in order to obtain favour.”
Combating SGBV: FG, UN agencies, Stakeholders Advised to Step Up Funding
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Three Soldiers Injured in Road Accident Along Abuja-Koton Karfe Highway
Three Soldiers Injured in Road Accident Along Abuja-Koton Karfe Highway
By: Zagazola Makama
Three soldiers sustained minor injuries following a road traffic accident involving a military vehicle and a Dangote truck along the Jamata–Koton Karfe–Abuja road in Koton Karfe Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Military sources disclosed that the incident occurred on June 17 when troops of the 12 Brigade deployed at the Pipeline area of Agboja were involved in the accident while carrying out their duties.
According to the sources, the collision resulted in minor injuries to three soldiers, who were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The military vehicle involved in the accident was subsequently recovered and moved to the Patrol Base in Gegu for further action and assessment.
The sources added that the injured personnel were responding well to treatment, while relevant authorities had commenced necessary procedures to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
No loss of life was recorded in the incident.
Three Soldiers Injured in Road Accident Along Abuja-Koton Karfe Highway
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Troops Rescue Two Herders Injured in Attack by Suspected Militia in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Herders Injured in Attack by Suspected Militia in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued two herders who were attacked and injured by suspected militia members while grazing livestock in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on June 18 around Rafin Bauna community in Bassa LGA.
According to the report, troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, responded swiftly to a distress call indicating that armed men suspected to be members of an Irigwe militia group had attacked two herders in the area.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops engaged in a rapid intervention that forced the attackers to flee before further harm could be inflicted on the victims.

The troops subsequently conducted a combing operation of the surrounding area and successfully rescued the two victims.
The victims were identified as Yusuf Isiaku, who sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder, and Mubarak Lawan, who suffered minor bruises during the attack.
Military sources said both victims were immediately evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment and are currently receiving medical attention.
“The prompt response of troops prevented the situation from escalating and ensured the safe evacuation of the victims for urgent medical care,” the source said.
Security agencies have since launched efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The military assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across Plateau State and other areas within its operational responsibility.
Operation Enduring Peace also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and arresting criminal elements threatening peace in communities.
The latest incident pointed to the persistent security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where security forces continue to intensify efforts to prevent attacks, protect vulnerable communities and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.
Troops Rescue Two Herders Injured in Attack by Suspected Militia in Plateau
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One Killed, Two Injured in Attack on Herders by Berom Militia in Plateau
One Killed, Two Injured in Attack on Herders by Berom Militia in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
One herder was killed and two others sustained gunshot injuries following an attack by Berom Militia in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting calls for justice and renewed efforts to prevent further violence in the area.
Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to a distress call at about 4:00 p.m. on June 18 following reports of an attack on Fulani herders in a bush area around Torok Community in Rim District of Riyom LGA.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 6 were immediately deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of a Fulani man identified as Abdul Samaila, while two other victims were found with gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while troops commenced domination patrols and a manhunt for the attackers, who had fled before the arrival of security personnel.
“The troops responded promptly to the report and found one victim dead and two others injured. The wounded victims were evacuated for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators,” a security source said.
Meanwhile, the Fulani Community in Riyom Local Government Area has condemned the attack, describing it as tragic and unfortunate.
In a statement issued on Friday, community leaders alleged that the victims were attacked by armed persons while grazing in the Torok area.
The community identified the deceased as Abdurrahman Ibrahim, 25, from Bangai settlement, while the injured victims were named as Abbas Saidu, 18, and Bashiru Rabi’u, 15.
The statement expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
The community called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, arrest those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also appealed to the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders and security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting lives and property across the state.
According to the statement, justice and accountability remain critical to ending recurring cycles of violence and reprisals in communities within Riyom and other parts of Plateau State.
The community further urged its members to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation, stressing the need to allow security agencies and relevant authorities to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Residents of the area said the latest incident has heightened concerns over security in parts of Riyom, which has witnessed periodic tensions and attacks involving farming and herding communities over the years.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those behind the attack and maintain peace in the affected communities.
The incident is the latest in a series of security challenges confronting parts of Plateau State, where authorities continue to advocate dialogue, peaceful coexistence and adherence to the rule of law as means of resolving disputes.
One Killed, Two Injured in Attack on Herders by Berom Militia in Plateau
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