KDSG To Launch Sex Offenders Database

The Kaduna State Government is set to launch a Sex Offenders Database, as stakeholders express readiness to be trained on managing, processing, giving feedback, analysing, and updating its content.

Stakeholders, who are representatives of heads of relevant government agencies addressing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the state, made this known during a meeting last week.

Deputy Director and Head, Special Investigation and Prosecution Unit, Ministry of Justice, Ayiku Ishaku Thomas, stated that the database would have a dual view structure related to both sexual offenders and SGBV service providers.

“The Ministry of Justice, being the Anchor Organization, will have the database domiciled in it and will also be responsible for the calling of meetings to set an agenda for the conversation around SGBV, with a view to mapping out roles of each stakeholder to make for the eventual launching of the database,” Thomas added.

European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme pledged to support the design, testing, start-off, running, and management of the database to strengthen the state’s capacity to function effectively.

Two years ago, Acting Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, had announced the introduction of Sex Offenders Register in Kaduna state, in order to name and shame offenders.

Dr. Balarabe had earlier disclosed that there are four Sexual Assault Referral Centres in the state, located at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Tudun Wada; Gwamna Awan Hospital at Nasarawa; Hajiya Gambo Sawaba Memorial Hospital, Zaria, and Sir Patrick Yakowa Hospital, Kafanchan.

The Acting Governor had further stated that a Transit Centre for victims of Gender-Based Violence at Barnawa had been established for counselling and Psycho-social support.