The Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed, who serves as Chairperson of the State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (BSACGBV), has expressed strong displeasure over the rising number of gender-based violence cases in the state. She disclosed that the committee has recorded 218 cases, including rape, domestic violence, child abuse, forced marriage, child exploitation, abandonment of parental responsibilities, and family disputes.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with the media in her office, Mohammed noted that the committee has achieved notable successes since its establishment, including securing convictions in several cases, while others remain pending in courts. She emphasised that the committee was formed to protect vulnerable individuals, promote justice, and provide support for survivors and their families.
Challenges and Plans
Mohammed highlighted major challenges facing the committee, particularly delays in the judicial process caused by constitutional provisions and lengthy legal procedures. She announced plans to intensify public sensitisation campaigns and community outreach programmes in the coming months to educate residents on preventing and addressing gender-based violence.
The First Lady commended journalists for their continued support in reporting social issues and urged them to strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at reducing gender-based violence. “Your role in public enlightenment and advocacy remains invaluable in the collective fight against gender-based violence,” she said.
Call for Collaboration
She stressed that achieving meaningful progress requires collaboration among lawmakers, community leaders, civil society organisations, religious institutions, traditional rulers, security agencies, and the media. Mohammed reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to protecting survivors, ensuring justice, and reducing all forms of violence against women and children.
She called for a review of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, the Child Rights Law, and constitutional provisions affecting criminal justice administration to ensure timely justice for victims. She also emphasised the need to understand social realities and challenges facing communities to provide effective support for women, youths, and children.
Committee Achievements
Special Adviser to the Bauchi State Governor on Gender-Based Violence, Barrister Sha’awanatu Yusuf, reported that since the committee’s inauguration on April 17, 2020, it has handled 218 cases: 94 rape cases, 37 domestic violence cases, 51 family dispute cases, 19 forced marriage cases, 11 child abuse cases, five child exploitation cases, and one abduction case. Many rape cases have been taken to court, with some offenders convicted and serving prison sentences.
Yusuf explained that some cases remain pending due to detailed investigations and judicial processes. The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, media organisations, women’s rights groups, traditional and religious institutions, security agencies, human rights organisations, and civil society groups. “The diverse composition ensures every stakeholder contributes meaningfully toward addressing gender-based violence,” she said.
Public Reporting and Intervention
Members of the public can report complaints to the committee for intervention. Cases that cannot be resolved amicably are referred to appropriate authorities for legal action. Muhammad Haruna, a committee member, disclosed that between April 17, 2020 and December 2025, the committee secured convictions in 34 cases, with several others pending. He noted interventions in cases of parental abandonment and physical abuse by Islamic teachers.
Haruna assured that the committee would intensify community sensitisation programmes to educate parents, guardians, and the public on their responsibilities toward children. The committee also advocated for the gazetting and full implementation of the Child Protection Law in Bauchi State.
