The Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) has called on residents of Kurmi local government council in Taraba State to support efforts to combat the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their communities.
This appeal was made by WOWICAN’s National Chairperson, Elizabeth Akinadewo, during a weekend sensitization program in Bassisa, the administrative headquarters of Kurmi Council. The message was conveyed on her behalf by Deaconess Mercy Sambo, Chairperson of the Taraba State Chapter of WOWICAN.
The program aimed to educate traditional and religious leaders on preventing violence against women and girls. Highlighting the severity of the situation, Sambo cited recent statistics ranking Kurmi Council second in GBV incidents within the state.
“The ranking prompted WOWICAN and the United Nations (UN) Women to organize this critical sensitization initiative,” Sambo explained. She emphasized the need for collective action to address the alarming trend, which stands in stark contrast to the values of the state.
Reacting to the statistics, Council Chairman Moses Maihankali expressed his administration’s commitment to eradicating all forms of GBV in the area, indicating a willingness to take extraordinary measures.
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Similarly, Fidelis Nashuka, President of the National Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Taraba State, and Executive Director of the Safe Environment and Community Health Initiative, pledged to collaborate with colleagues to eliminate GBV in Kurmi communities and the state.
Nashuka outlined the various forms of GBV prevalent in the area, including physical, emotional, cultural, digital, and economic violence, as well as neglect and sexual violence. He called for a united effort to end the menace.
Supporting WOWICAN and Nashuka, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCN), and local youth groups expressed their concern over the rise in GBV and their commitment to taking concerted action against it.
