May 23, 2024

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says 126 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are currently pending in various FCT courts.

The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, disclosed this during stakeholders’ community dialogue on SGBV in Bwari Area Council (BAC) of the FCT.

She, therefore, urged residents to report SGBV cases to law enforcement agencies or directly approach NAPTIP to lodge their complaint.

She said that over the years, NAPTIP observed the trend of community settlement of SGBV cases, stressing that “grievous cases like rape and incest shouldn’t be settled at the community level.

“Extreme crimes shouldn’t be settled at the community level, it brings injustice to the victims. However, we want communities to take ownership of such cases and report same to appropriate authorities.

“Even though minor cases can be settled at the community level, rape or incest with persons below 18 years is a liability offence.

“Our toll-free numbers are always on 24 hours. You can reach NAPTIP on 07030000203. The short code number is 627, available only on MTN and Airtel,” Waziri-Azi said.

Mr John Gabaya, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, thanked NAPTIP for the dialogue on SGBV, stressing that stakeholders must rise up to fight the menace.

Represented by Mrs Amina Solomon, the Head of Administration of the council, Gabaya warned residents of Bwari against molestation of house maids.

Mrs Helen Emuze, NAPTIP’s Assistant Director, Public Enlightenment Department, took the stakeholders through some of the critical sections of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.

Mr Emem Magnus, the agency’s Head of Rapid Respond Squared (RRS), gave a lecture on stakeholders’ roles in responding to SGBV cases and its prevention. (NAN)