The police in Bauchi have urged residents of the state to speak up against violence and abuse against women.

Aliyu Sani-Omolori, commissioner of police in the state, said this at a two-day training exercise on child safeguarding for school teachers and counsellors on Tuesday in Bauchi.

The exercise was organised by the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence (BSACGBV).

He said breaking the culture of silence was the first step to combat GBV-related matters.

Represented by Mohammed Barau, police operations department, Mr Sani-Omolori enjoined teachers, parents, and students to speak up against suspected abuse.

“There is no need to keep silent in the face of the menace of GBV. Speaking out is the most powerful tool we have.

“Rising against GBV is everybody’s responsibility. Silence protects perpetrators while exposing victims to further harm,” he said.

Aisha Mohammed, wife of the Bauchi State governor, said silence continued to empower perpetrators and endanger vulnerable groups, especially children and women.

Mrs Mohammed was represented by Aisha Baba-Tela at the event.

According to Mrs Mohammed, protecting children requires collective vigilance and a willingness to report abuses without fear.

She said the exercise would encourage survivors and schools to speak up, act fast and protect children.

Mrs Mohammed said the designation of Child Safeguarding Officers in schools would enable the students to have someone they could confide in, listen to, believe and take action.

“Prevention begins when people refuse to stay silent, when children feel heard and protected, they grow with confidence and reach their full potential,” she said.

Also, Ladi Hamma, project coordinator for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), said creating a culture to speak up against abuse empowered girls and safeguarded their educational growth.

She commended the state government and development partners for strengthening child protection.

(NAN)