The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Niger State,Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta,has raised deep Concern on the alarming rates of rape,child abus and all forms of gender-based violence across the state.
She warned that the Ministry under her watch will continue to ensure the full prosecution of any culprits in court of competent jurisdiction for offenders to face justice.
The Commissioner who stated this while speaking with journalists in her office in Minna the State capital said the Niger State government will go all out to combat the menace.
Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta expressed her worries over the increasing number of rape and child molestation cases being reported and stressed the government's determination to ensure justice for victims.
The Ministry,according to her, is determined to engage all stakeholders to partner with relevant agencies in the state to bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
“ We as a ministry will continue to partner with all stakeholders to ensure that survivors of these crimes get justice in court of competent jurisdiction.
“ We will not allow these to continue in Niger State. The reported cases of rape and child molestation is on the increase in the state. We have so many of these cases in our courts.
“ I was almost shedding tears in court this morning because of the stigmatization the survivors of these heinous crimes are subjected to. We will no longer accept it in Niger State any more” she declared.
The Commissioner revealed that she recently attended a court hearing involving a teenage girl who was allegedly impregnated by her grandfather. According to her, the victim was rescued and received medical attention after her health deteriorated during pregnancy. She said DNA tests later confirmed with a 99.9 percent match that the suspect was the father of the baby. However, she lamented that the suspect was granted bail due to legal technicalities, while the case has been adjourned until July.
Kuta noted that several similar cases are currently before the courts, including one from Kontagora involving the alleged sexual assault of a young girl. She explained that the ministry is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure witnesses are presented and that offenders face justice. She added that the government is exploring legal measures to prevent suspects in serious rape and child abuse cases from easily obtaining bail.
Expressing deep concern over the rising cases of sexual violence, Hajiya Hadiza said Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has pledged support for stronger action against offenders. She disclosed that plans are underway to establish a committee involving key stakeholders, including the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, to strengthen prosecution processes and secure justice for victims.
The commissioner identified, social stigma, and lack of support from families as major challenges affecting the prosecution of rape cases. She called on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to support victims rather than stigmatize them. She also emphasized the need for rehabilitation and psychological support for survivors, many of whom suffer long-term trauma.
Hajiya Hadiza assured residents that the state government would continue to advocate for the protection of women and children, warning that there would be no hiding place for perpetrators of rape and child abuse in Niger State. She called on all stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of the problem and create a safer society for all.
