The women’s affairs secretariat at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has decried the rising cases of gender-based violence in Abuja.

Its mandate secretary, Adebayo Benjamins-Laniyi, expressed the concern at a news conference on Thursday to mark her 100 days in office.

Ms Benjamins-Laniyi said that 3,072 cases of GBV have been reported recently in Abuja, adding that 2,000 cases were reported in the last 100 days.

She attributed the spike in the number of reported cases to the residents’ renewed confidence in the current administration.

She restated her determination to leave no woman or adolescents behind, adding that even the men were speaking out against GBV.

The mandate secretary promised to promote all-inclusive governance by carrying everyone along.

She revealed plans to work towards reviving the defunct FCT female football team, the FCT Queens.

She identified some key activities within the last 100 days, such as stakeholder consultations and familiarisation visits to key stakeholders and women’s groups.

She added that she sensitised the wives of traditional rulers and area council chairpersons in the FCT on GBV.

“We also commemorated the 2023 UN Women 16 days of advocacy against GBV in FCT, as well as hosted the First Lady’s Renewal Hope Humanitarian Programme for the aged.

“I have also toured all facilities under my office, including FCT Unity Children’s Home in Gwako, Gwagwalada; FCT Transit Home/Juvenile Correctional Centre and Karu Children’s Home.

“Others are Baby Friendly Centres/Creches in Areas 11 and Area 3; FCT Women Vocational and Empowerment Centre, Zuba; Poultry Farm Project, Pasali; and Groundnut Processing Centre, Kulo in Abaji, among others,” she said. 

(NAN)