Police vow to ensure justice for survivors of SGBV in Adamawa
Story from Usman Ibrahim
The Adamawa Police Command has expressed readiness to ensure justice for survivors of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.
Babatola Afolabi, Commissioner of Police stated in Yola at the end of three-day capacity building training for 25 officers on protection of SGBV in emergencies organized by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Afolabi who was represented by DCP Jonathan Modi appreciated UNFPA for the training and assured that Police would apply the knowledge acquired in to practice to ensure justice for survivors.
He called on the participants to also step down the knowledge acquired to other officers so as to achieve the objective of the training.
Earlier in her address, UNFPA’s resident representative, Ulla Mueller said the training is part of their capacity building initiatives to support government on strengthen access to justice for survivors of GBV.
Muller who was represented by Mr Christian Macauley, UNFPA’s Humanitarian Coordinator said the training has build capacity of police on how to provide survivors centered SGBV services.
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She said Police is one of the key actors in access to justice and protection of civilians especially vulnerable population of women and girls.
Fatima Raji, a resource person at the training urges participants for effective investigation so as to have all the exhibit handy for successful prosecution in Court.
She advised Police to channel SGBV cases to State High Courts not magistrate Court that do not have the jurisdiction over such cases.
Raji also advised Police to officially write to Ministry of Justice to have the simplified version of the relevant laws.
Brenda Ifeanyichiku, Coordinator Call to Action said one out of three women experience SGBV and called on all stakeholders to to everything possible for successful prosecution of perpetrators to end SGBV.
She urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired in to practice as the change start with them in ensuring justice for survivors.
Dr Danladi Idrisa, UNFPA’s Programme officer in Adamawa commended the officers for their active participation and urged them to step down the knowledge acquired to their colleagues.