Group praises Benue First lady for steps to reduce sexual abuse

The Sexual and Gender Based Justice Network, (SJN), Cluster has commended Benue State’s First Lady, Ms. Eunice Ortom, for her efforts to reduce sexual and gender abuse cases in the state.

The group in a speech at the press conference held in Makurdi over the weekend led by Precious Sokumtochukwu, legal officer of Lawyers Alert, also ordered the state government to inaugurate the Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC), which is already established in the state. Benue is located, Assure University Teaching Hospital, (BSUTH), Makurdi.

The group’s three-man team; Sokumtochukwu, Victor Ebo, Reproductive Rights Officer of Lawyers Alert, and Laz Mon, BENGONENT Chairman noted that the early inauguration of the center
will help vulnerable women and girls approach the Center for Justice.

The team said: “We call on the Benue State Government and the Office of the First Lady to expedite action to direct this center to go a long way to ensure that justice is served to the vulnerable man on the street”.

The team also pleaded with the state government to ensure funds are earmarked in the budget to help meet the needs of the victims.

While the group appreciated the existence of the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons Act (VAPP) and the Application of Criminal Law Act (ACL), the group said there were some sections in the VAPP and the ACL that had to be changed to meet current realities.

They said: “For example, VAPP has mentioned that the police are responsible for paying for the transportation of the victims and survivors who approached them in connection with SGBV cases. While that is commendable, we know that this is not in line with our current reality and we look forward to having this law amended to accommodate it.

“Most importantly, as it pertains to law changes, as it pertains to jurisdiction, we look to the SJN to make sure the magistrates have jurisdiction over SGBV issues, especially rape. This will greatly contribute to the effective implementation of the law and the effective administration of justice throughout the state.”