By Bridget Ikyado Tikyaa
Benue State Government has commenced training on prevention of Gender Based Violence, GBV, for critical stakeholders including security agents to stem the high number of cases being recorded in the state.
The 4-day training on Gender based violence, sexual expolitation / abuse and trafficking in persons was organised for law enforcement officers.
The training was hosted by the Benue State Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, in partnership with the state Bureau of Homeland Security .
With support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), USAID snd the Rapid Respond Fund.
The training targets to train 200 (participants drawn from various security outfit) in preparatory to the impending flood disaster predicted to happen in Benue.
The Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Alexander Tsarga, said the aim was also to take closer look at victims of GBV and offer them appropriate protection and justice.
Ms Mediatrice Barengayabo IOM Head of Benue Sub-Office said that the training was on crucial law enforcement responses during floods, focusing specifically on GBV, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), and Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
“During crises like flooding, vulnerabilities are heightened, and the risks of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Today’s session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively, ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of all individuals, especially the most vulnerables. Let’s work together to make sure that in times of crisis, protection and justice remain our priority.
“As an organization, we are committed to enhancing the capacity of our partners and supporting you in any way possible to ensure the highest standards of responses and protection. We also want to ensure that information culture and, SEA, and TIP increase significantly. Your role as law enforcement officers is critical in preventing, identifying, and addressing these issues,” she said.
Dr Abubarkar Auwal Usman of the United Nation Children Fund, spoke on the importance of the training and the need to protect women and children from abuse.
On his part, Dr Abudul Muhammad, State Coordinator World Health Organisation (WHO), urged the participants to assist victims of sexual abuse.
Mrs Gloria Iveren Bal, the Zonal Coordinator, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), and the DG Bureau for homeland security: Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd) also spoke on the dangers of GBV with aim to eliminate it in the state.
