The Katsina State Government has introduced a fresh set of measures aimed at tackling the growing cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the state. The new framework, officials say, is designed to strengthen prevention, improve reporting, ensure prosecution of offenders, and expand support services for survivors.
The announcement follows a series of engagements between government officials, security agencies, traditional leaders, women’s groups, and civil society organizations who have repeatedly raised concerns about the alarming rise in domestic abuse, rape, child defilement, and forced marriages in several communities.
According to officials, the new measures include a coordinated SGBV response system, improved surveillance in vulnerable communities, and faster prosecution of offenders through a strengthened judicial mechanism.
A senior government representative explained that the state will no longer tolerate delayed investigations or weak prosecution that allow offenders to escape justice.
“Katsina is taking a firm stand. Every case of sexual abuse will be thoroughly investigated, prosecuted, and monitored. Survivors must never feel abandoned,” the official said.
The state is also set to expand the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, which provides legal protection for victims and stiff penalties for perpetrators.
As part of the new SGBV strategy, Katsina will establish community-based reporting desks and deploy trained response teams in local government areas prone to abuse. The aim is to encourage early reporting, ensure confidentiality, and reduce the stigma that discourages victims from speaking out.
These teams will work with the police, health officials, and social welfare departments to ensure immediate first-line support, medical care, trauma counselling, and evidence documentation.
In addition, the government plans to roll out a 24-hour hotline for real-time reporting.
Katsina authorities say new shelters and counselling centres will be set up across the state to provide temporary accommodation, legal aid, psychosocial therapy, and reintegration services for survivors.
The government also pledged to partner with NGOs, donor agencies, and women’s rights organisations to expand existing safe spaces and educational programmes for vulnerable groups, especially young girls.
Gender experts have long argued that many victims stay silent due to fear of retaliation, social stigma, or lack of safe reporting avenues. Strengthening survivor support, they say, is a crucial part of breaking the cycle of abuse.
The state acknowledges the influence of traditional and religious institutions in community governance and has therefore included them as frontline actors in its SGBV prevention strategy.
District heads, village leaders, and clerics will be trained to identify early warning signs, promote awareness, and discourage harmful cultural practices that enable gender-based violence.
The new strategy also includes massive awareness campaigns on radio, community gatherings, and schools to educate residents on the dangers of SGBV, legal protections available, and the importance of reporting abuse.
Officials stressed that reducing SGBV requires a shift in public attitudes, stronger parenting, and a community-driven approach.
The Katsina Government has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
“We cannot build a prosperous Katsina when women and children live in fear,” a government spokesperson said. “This is not just a policy shift it is a moral duty.”
Residents and rights groups have welcomed the move, describing it as a long-awaited step toward securing justice for victims and restoring trust in state institutions.
