The police command in Ebonyi on Saturday decried the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and human trafficking across the nation, calling for an end to the crimes.

The command made the call in Abakaliki during a commemorative march marking 70 years of women in policing in Nigeria.

Women police officers in the state, who marched through major roads of Abakaliki, also called for an end to corruption, drug abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, drug trafficking, and female genital mutilation (FGM), among other societal ills.

The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, who led the march, said women have been enrolled in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) since 1955.

“Today, November 29, the command joined the rest of the nation to celebrate 70 years of dedicated service by women in the police force,” Ms Uche-Anya said.

Also speaking, ACP Bridget Onukaogu, command coordinator of the Nigeria Women Police (NIWOPOL), expressed appreciation to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

“We thank the IGP for recognising the contributions of women in the Nigeria Police Force and for his continued support to women.

“We also commend the Force Gender Advisor, AIG Aisha Abubakar, as well as CP Adaku Uche-Anya, for their steadfast leadership and commitment to advancing the role of women in policing,” Ms Onukaogu said.

The awareness walk ended at the popular Udensi Roundabout in Ebonyi’s capital.

The lineup of activities for the celebrations includes a community and career outreach on December 3 and a women police symposium on December 5.

(NAN)