The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bauchi State has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting victims’ rights in cases of gender-based violence across the state.
State Commandant, Commander Oloyede Nelson Oyerinade, gave the assurance while receiving officials of the COVID-19 Response Mechanism Project currently being implemented in Bauchi.
Commandant Oloyede Oyerinade stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains a core mandate of the Corps, particularly in addressing gender-related crimes.
He pledged that the NSCDC would not relent in ensuring perpetrators of gender-based violence face justice, serving as a deterrent to others in the society.
The Commandant also urged relatives of GBV victims to speak out, enabling the authorities to take prompt and appropriate action on such cases.
Earlier, State Programme Officer of the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Project, Dauda Makka, disclosed that the initiative is ongoing in Bauchi, Katagum, Tafawa Balewa, Misau, and Darazo LGAs.
He added that the project focuses on community systems strengthening and tackling gender-based violence through facility assessments and community engagement.
Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Salisu Ahmad Aliyu, noted that most people living with HIV and AIDS are underprivileged and need protection of their rights.
He explained that community rights advocates, formerly known as paralegal officers, work to identify GBV and human rights violations at grassroots level.
Aliyu lamented that some organisations release GBV offenders without punishment, urging the Corps to take decisive action when such cases were reported to it.
By Ishaq Haruna Hardawa
