The Benue State Government has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and traditional rulers to bridge implementation gaps in the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Theresa Ikwue, made the call at a two-day policy dialogue organised by CLEEN Foundation in Makurdi on Tuesday.

Mrs Ikwue said the dialogue focused on strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring compliance and promoting accountability among duty-bearers responsible for implementing the VAPP Law.

The commissioner described the engagement as timely, stressing that effective implementation of the law was crucial to addressing gender-based violence (GBV).

She attributed some social challenges confronting the country to insecurity and declining family values, urging parents to prioritise their children’s upbringing and welfare.

According to her, increasing demands on parents to provide for their families sometimes limit the attention devoted to raising their children.

Mr Ikwue said the dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess existing mechanisms, identify implementation gaps and develop practical solutions.

The commissioner disclosed that the ministries of women affairs and social welfare and justice were exploring ways to harmonise existing laws and strengthen enforcement.

She emphasised that policies and recommendations would achieve little without effective implementation, urging participants to develop actionable strategies beyond discussions and presentations.

Mrs Ikwue commended CLEEN Foundation for bringing together government ministries, departments and agencies, security personnel and traditional institutions to address gender-based violence.

The commissioner acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other law enforcement agencies.

She also highlighted the roles of the Tor Tiv, Och’Idoma and other traditional rulers in supporting efforts to protect vulnerable persons.

Mrs Ikwue said the state government was extending interventions to grassroots communities to ensure women and children benefited from policies and social welfare programmes.

She disclosed that the ministry of women affairs and social welfare had established offices across all 276 wards in Benue State, following Governor Hyacinth Alia’s directive.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to combat gender-based violence.

Mr Nwadiogbu, represented by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division Makurdi, CSP Sewuese Anene, said the police treated GBV cases seriously and remained willing to partner with organisations and individuals committed to protecting citizens’ rights.

He noted that the command had strengthened its gender desk operations by assigning more female officers to handle cases involving gender-based violence.

The police commissioner said the arrangement was intended to encourage women and girls to report abuse, seek assistance and access available protection mechanisms.

He added that officers required continuous training to improve their capacity to handle GBV cases, while increased reports could reflect growing public awareness.

Mr Nwadiogbu urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration with the police, support survivors and ensure perpetrators were held accountable, reaffirming the command’s commitment to preventing violence and abuse. 

(NAN)