By Abdulwahab MuhammadSenior Special Assistant on Communication to the Governor of Bauchi StateBauchi State Government House, BauchiEmail: abdulwahabmuhammad9@gmail.com Contact: +234 080 3617 9537
The fight against gender-based violence in Bauchi State has recorded significant progress, with the Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence confirming that no fewer than 218 cases of abuse and violence have been documented across the state since its inauguration.Speaking during a media chat on Monday, the Chairperson of the committee and wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed, disclosed that the reported cases include rape, domestic violence, child abuse, forced marriage, child exploitation, abandonment of parental responsibilities and family disputes.According to her, the committee was established to provide protection for vulnerable persons, ensure justice for survivors and promote support systems for victims and affected families.
The First Lady revealed that the committee has already secured convictions in several gender-based violence cases, while many others are still undergoing judicial processes in courts across the state.She, however, expressed concern over delays in the administration of justice, blaming constitutional bottlenecks and prolonged legal procedures for slowing down prosecution and convictions in some criminal cases.“We are committed to protecting survivors, ensuring justice and reducing all forms of violence against women and children,” she stated.94 Rape Cases RecordedProviding a breakdown of the cases handled so far, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender-Based Violence, Barrister Sha’awanatu Yusuf, said the committee had recorded:94 rape cases37 domestic violence cases51 family dispute cases19 forced marriage cases11 child abuse cases5 child exploitation cases1 abduction caseAccording to her, many of the rape-related matters were taken to court, with some offenders already convicted and serving prison terms.
She explained that certain cases remain pending because of the rigorous investigative and judicial procedures required before final judgments can be delivered.34 Convictions SecuredAlso speaking during the media engagement, Muhammad Haruna disclosed that between April 17, 2020 and December 2025, the committee, in collaboration with the Police and the Ministry of Justice, successfully secured convictions in 34 gender-based violence cases.
The committee, he explained, works closely with relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, media organisations, civil society groups, women advocacy organisations, religious institutions, traditional rulers and security agencies.
Barrister Yusuf noted that the broad representation within the committee was intentionally designed to ensure collective responsibility in tackling social violence and abuse.“The diverse composition of the committee was designed to ensure that every stakeholder contributes meaningfully toward addressing gender-based violence and related social challenges,” she said.Call for Legal Reforms and Public Awareness
The First Lady further called for the review of certain laws and constitutional provisions affecting criminal justice administration to ensure timely justice for victims of gender-based violence.She stressed that public awareness remains a major challenge, noting that many citizens are still unaware of their legal rights, responsibilities and protections under the law.
Aisha Bala Mohammed also urged journalists and media organisations to sustain advocacy campaigns and public enlightenment efforts aimed at reducing violence against women and children.
She emphasized that government alone cannot solve societal problems without community participation, collaboration and support from citizens.The committee disclosed plans to intensify sensitisation campaigns and grassroots outreach programmes in the coming months as part of efforts to curb the rising menace of gender-based violence in the state.
A Growing Social ConcernThe latest figures released by the committee reflect the growing concern over gender-based violence and child protection issues in society, while also highlighting increasing efforts by authorities and stakeholders to strengthen intervention, prosecution and survivor support systems.
Observers say sustained awareness campaigns, stronger legal frameworks and faster judicial processes will be critical in addressing the challenge and ensuring justice for victims across communities in Bauchi State.
