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Gombe, UNICEF launch centre to support sexual violence survivors
Gombe, UNICEF launch centre to support sexual violence survivors
The Gombe State Government, with UNICEF support, has inaugurated a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to assist survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Speaking at the Gombe Specialist Hospital on Friday, Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, described the initiative as a significant step in combating sexual violence.
Represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, Jatau said the centre provided a safe space for medical, psychological, and legal support for survivors.
He added the centre would act as a one-stop facility, offering a wide range of essential services to victims.
According to him, the centre is equipped with basic facilities, including a counselling room, pharmacy store, and laboratory.
Jatau urged traditional and community leaders to report sexual violence cases promptly, noting: “The centre can only function when people are brought in.”
Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, said the centre would restore hope to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.
She emphasised that sexual violence has serious psychological effects, requiring attention beyond immediate treatment.
Rafique described the centre as a critical part of child protection integrated into healthcare services.
She stressed that abuse of children and gender-based violence must be prevented, not just treated after occurrence.
“Although the centre is vital for saving lives and mental health, preventing abuse in the community is more important.
She called on community leaders to promote prevention rather than wait for cases to be referred to the centre.
Rafique urged engagement of grassroots stakeholders and awareness campaigns, noting most perpetrators are neighbours or family members.
“We must educate communities on how parents should protect their children.
“This is not unique to Gombe; I have seen abuse in children as young as six months across five states.
“These harmful practices must end so survivors are helped, and future generations are protected,” she said.
Dr Sambo Dawa Medical Director, Gombe Specialist Hospital, said the hospital has treated survivors through its SGBV unit since 2021.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, between 2021 and 2025, the unit assisted 645 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
The survivors’ ages ranged from 1 to 24 years: 55 were 1–4, 133 were 5–9, 196 were 10–14, 150 were 15–19, and 111 were 20–24.
Male survivors totalled 119 (18.4 per cent), while females numbered 526 (81.6 per cent) of the total cases.
Regarding perpetrators, 174 survivors (26.9 per cent) were abused by family members, 325 (50.4 per cent) by neighbours, and 146 (22.6 per cent) by strangers.
On types of violence, 531 cases (82.3 per cent) were sexual, while 114 (17.7 per cent) were physical abuse.
Dawa noted that most cases came from rural areas (574), with 71 reported from urban centres.
Gombe, UNICEF launch centre to support sexual violence survivors
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Engr Peter Samuel, MNSE, MNIAE, as the General Manager of Borno State Agricultural Mechanization Authority (BOSAMA).
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the appointment was based on Engr Samuel’s outstanding professional competence, proven track record, and experience in agricultural engineering and mechanization.
The statement noted that Engr Samuel possesses the requisite qualifications, technical expertise and leadership capacity required to reposition BOSAMA in line with Governor Zulum’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The newly appointed General Manager is an Agricultural Engineer with academic, professional, administrative, and practical experience in agricultural mechanization, farm power and machinery, irrigation engineering, and agricultural infrastructure development.
He holds a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Farm Power and Machinery from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi), a Postgraduate Diploma in Farm Management and Production Economics from Nasarawa State University, and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering from the University of Maiduguri.
Engr Samuel has distinguished himself through years of meritorious service in teaching, research, agricultural engineering practice, and project implementation. He currently serves as a Lecturer in Farm Power and Machinery at Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri.
Over the years, he has held several strategic leadership positions, including General Manager of a commercial agricultural enterprise, Project Coordinator, Programme Coordinator, and Consultant on numerous agricultural development interventions implemented by reputable national and international organisations.
He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE).
Governor Babagana Zulum congratulated the new General Manager on his appointment and urged him to deploy his wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and experience in agricultural mechanization to strengthen the operations of BOSAMA
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
DSS Frees Cardiac Surgeon Martin Aghaji on Bail Over Alleged Economic Crime
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
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