Violence Against Children: Zamfara Government, Police, UNICEF Strengthen Partnership

The Zamfara State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against children by strengthening collaboration with security agencies, the judiciary, educational institutions, and development partners, while intensifying public awareness campaigns across the state.

The commitment was reiterated by the Overseeing Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaji Nasiru Galadima Kaura, during a one-day child protection coordination meeting chaired by the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, at the Police Command Conference Hall in Gusau.

A statement signed Suleiman Aliyu Gusau Information Officer
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Friday said the meeting, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with the support of UNICEF and the Zamfara State Police Command, brought together key stakeholders to review the growing cases of child abuse and other child protection concerns and to develop practical strategies for prevention and effective response.

Represented by the Director of Child Protection and Development and UNICEF Focal Person, Hajiya Farida Abdulrazaq Adamu, the Overseeing Permanent Secretary described the increasing reports of child abuse, sexual assault, child labour, exploitation, neglect, and other forms of violence against children as alarming.

He stressed that the Zamfara State Government would not stand idly by while vulnerable children continue to suffer abuse at the hands of unscrupulous individuals.

Alhaji Nasiru Galadima Kaura reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal to a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of violence against children, declaring that child abuse remains a red line and that anyone found violating the rights of children would face the full weight of the law.

He further stated that the ministry, in collaboration with relevant ministries, security agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders, would continue to strengthen community sensitisation, improve child protection and case management systems, and enhance coordinated interventions to safeguard children across Zamfara State.

The Permanent Secretary also commended UNICEF for its sustained support to the state government through capacity-building programmes, community-based child protection structures, and other interventions aimed at preventing and responding to child protection challenges.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, reaffirmed the commitment of the Zamfara State Police Command to protecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups, describing their safety as fundamental to achieving lasting peace and security in the state.

“I feel deeply saddened whenever I receive reports of rape or child abuse. However, I am confident that through sustained public enlightenment and increased awareness of the legal consequences of these crimes, the incidence will reduce significantly,” the police commissioner said.

He condemned the stigmatisation and ridicule often faced by survivors of sexual violence, warning that anyone found mocking, intimidating, or harassing victims would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

CP Bello assured participants that the Police Command would continue to ensure the prompt arrest, thorough investigation, and diligent prosecution of perpetrators to ensure justice for victims.

The police commissioner also appealed to the Zamfara State Government and development partners to establish a shelter for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence where they can receive temporary accommodation, counselling, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and vocational training to facilitate their recovery and reintegration into society.

In their separate contributions, the representatives of the Sarkin Zamfaran Anka, the Sarkin Katsinan Gusau, and other stakeholders described the meeting as timely and outcome-driven, noting that it provided an important platform for developing practical action points to address the growing menace of child abuse and violence against children.

They urged residents to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and sexual violence to the appropriate authorities, stressing that silence protects offenders, while timely reporting helps secure justice for victims and safeguards vulnerable children.