NAN-HG-19
Violence
By Martha Agas
Jos, Dec 1, 2016 (NAN) Christian Women For Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), an NGO, said it recorded 430 cases of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Plateau.
The Senior Project officer of the NGO, Mrs Comfort Zawaya, said this on Thursday when a CWEENS delegation visited the Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.
Zawaya said that in 2015 an observatory platform was set up by the National Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) facilitated by CWEENS to collate reports, make referrals and respond to gender issues in Plateau.
“The Observatory Steering Committee made up of more than 23 stakeholders of state and non state actors recorded a number of 430 cases.
“123 were cases of rape of which 80 per cent were minors,’’ she said.
She attributed the violence to the lack of firm laws to prosecute perpetrators of such acts.
The official said the NGO’s visit to NAN was to enable it to use its platform to report cases “to ensure justice is served to perpetrators, which would serve as deterrent to anyone who may want to indulge in such evil act’’.
According to her, the organisation also has a safe home for women and girls battered, raped or bedevilled by harmful widowhood practices.
She said the NGO would like to work closely with NAN, a credible source for news, to report all forms of violence against women and girls.
Zawaya stated that as the world marks World AIDS Day, children should also be enlightened on preventive measures against the virus.
In his remarks, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Zonal Manager of NAN in Jos, stated that the agency is involved in social responsibility activities through partnerships with individuals and organisations.
Sheyin, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Nwoye, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, advised the organisation to be fervent in inculcating moral values in children to prevent such violent tendencies.
NAN reports that the organisation conducts HIV Test and other medical checks for women and girls and makes referrals where necessary. (NAN)
MAA/HS/YEE
Edited by Halima Sheji/Emmanuel Yashim
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