The Katsina State Government has domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 alongside the Child Protection Law.
This is part of measures to curb all forms of violence across the 34 local government areas of the state.
Governor Dikko Radda while assenting and unveiling the Acts into law in a brief ceremony held at the Katsina New Government House Banquet Hall on Friday, seized the moment to also inaugurate a steering committee on Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“Let this be a testament to our collective resolve to create a society where every person can live freely from fear and harm.
“My government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of GBV. May this committee through its dedication and hard work become a beacon of hope for those who have suffered in silence,” he stated.
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Earlier in her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs Zainab Musawa gave an overview of the Gender-Based Violence Steering Committee, highlighting the reason for the multi-stakeholder approach to Gender-Based Violence in the State.
“This law is considered a pivotal step towards the first step of justice and protection of the vulnerable or violated victims. This will not only serve as a measure that strengthens our legal framework but, it sends a resounding message that violence in any form will not be tolerated in this administration.
“Let me briefly mention three cases recently launched at the GBV Centre. The case of a young boy who was sodomised by a family member, the boy is currently hospitalised at the Federal Medical Center with rectum Paola and together with the cooperation of the police and the judiciary, we are working to ensure that justice is served to the victim,” she noted.
In the meantime, the State Chief Judge Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar delivered a keynote address on State Implementation of Laws, calling on the relevant stakeholders in the state to work hard to ensure speedy implementation of the VAPP law.
On her part, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Fadila Dikko gave an overview of gazetted laws which she said include Violence Against Persons Prohibition and Child Protection Law.
Dikko believed that the law assented by the governor will not only bring succor and effective remedies to millions of victims who have suffered violence in one form or the other but also will go a long way in reducing GBV in the state.
“Every woman is at risk of rape in Nigeria irrespective of religion or environment, nowhere is safe for this Violence Crime Against Women.
“It’s believed that this law will bring succor and effective remedies to millions of Victims who have suffered Violence in one form or the other.
“We thank His Excellency the governor for making the law possible in the state by domesticating it as it will go a long way in reducing GBV in the state,” Dikko added.
The ceremonial assent of the law had in attendance, the security agencies, high-ranking government officials, royal fathers, and development partners such as the IRC, IOM, Mercy Corps, CDD, and AGILE as well as members of the civil society organisations.
