The Officer-in-Charge of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Centre at the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Hafsat Ayavga, has cautioned visitors to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps against dressing flamboyantly when visiting the camps.
Ayavga made the appeal during a meeting convened by the JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative in collaboration with UNICEF to plan and agree on priorities for preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in Benue State.
She noted that flashy dressing by visitors often creates discomfort and reinforces social divides among displaced persons, urging that visitors should demonstrate empathy and humility when engaging with camp residents.
“Treat them as the same humans — no discrimination, no stereotypes. Avoid shouting or raising your voice when they bring issues to you,” she advised.
Also speaking, the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Andor, emphasized the need for continuous sensitisation campaigns to curb SGBV, stressing that the menace was not limited to rural areas.
“SGBV is not only in the villages; it is rampant here in Makurdi, the state capital. I appeal for consistent community outreach and engagements,” she said.
On her part, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Ministry of Justice, Barr. Maureen Igyor, reiterated that once a case of sexual violence is reported to the ministry, it cannot be withdrawn, even if the complainant or witnesses lose interest.
“Even if they abandon it, the confessional statements and police witnesses can sustain prosecution to ensure offenders face justice and deter others,” she stated.
UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Victor Atuchukwu, raised concerns over cases of abuse by some IDP camp officials who exploit their positions of authority to take advantage of displaced girls and women.
He clarified that gender-based violence targets individuals based on gender, while sexual exploitation involves abusing power or trust for sexual or financial gain.
Similarly, the Executive Director of JASPI, Mrs. Patricia Suswam, said the partnership with UNICEF was aimed at strengthening coordination among relevant ministries and agencies to tackle SGBV in the state.
She added that the focus was to enhance protection mechanisms for IDP communities and ensure that the government takes stronger action to address the rising cases of gender-based violence in displacement camps across Benue State.
