Katsina Records 110 Sexual Assault Cases In 10 Months
The Katsina Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has recorded about 110 cases of sexual assault since its establishment in December 2023.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development, Mr. Aminu Badaru-Jikamshi, during the opening of a three-day training for key stakeholders in Katsina on Tuesday.
The training, organized by the department in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), brought together participants from Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States, including medical personnel, justice and police officials, social workers, gender-based violence officers, and representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs.
According to Badaru-Jikamshi, out of the 110 cases recorded within the period, 60 have already been uploaded into the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), reflecting improved documentation and coordination in handling sexual violence cases.
He said the progress demonstrates the state’s growing capacity to document, monitor, and respond to child protection concerns with professionalism, transparency, and compassion.
“This progress reflects our growing ability to document, monitor, and respond to child protection concerns with professionalism and transparency,” Badaru-Jikamshi stated.
He appreciated UNICEF for its continued partnership, noting that the organization’s technical and logistical support had significantly strengthened the centre’s operations and the overall child protection system in the state.
“UNICEF’s collaboration with our department has been instrumental in strengthening our capacity to respond effectively to cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
“Through their generous support, our SARC centre has been equipped with essential working tools, which have greatly enhanced the quality of care we provide to survivors,” he said.
The permanent secretary further revealed that the state government is considering a study tour to other states with well-established and operational Sexual Assault Referral Centres to learn from their experiences and adopt best practices.
He urged participants at the training to take full advantage of the exercise to exchange knowledge and share experiences that will help strengthen survivor-centred and child-friendly services across the state.
The three-day training aims to enhance coordination among stakeholders and improve access to timely, professional, and survivor-centred services for victims of sexual and gender-based violence in Katsina and the surrounding states.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
