National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has appealed to security agencies to ensure the safe release of all women and girls abducted by terrorists.
The Bauchi State coordinator of NHRC, Yachit Suzan Dala, made the plea yesterday during the flag off of this year’s “16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV).”
Dala said, “As we celebrate this year’s 16 days of activism, the commission calls for concerted efforts by the security agencies especially the Nigerian Armed Forces to rescue women and girls who are in captivity of insurgents and bandits.
“It is an unequivocal truth that a society that invests in the well-being, progress and independence of women reaps immeasurable benefits. Our efforts towards fostering an environment that champions and prioritizes the rights of women to reproductive health, education and economic empowerment will lay a foundation for a more equitable and violence-free society which empowers women to make informed decisions and choices that benefit them and promote their well-being and rights,” she said.
Dala said NHRC in Bauchi remains resolute in ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
Bauchi State First Lady, Aisha Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting causes aimed at devising strategies to prevent all forms of Sexual and Gender-based Violence in the state.
“Gender-based violence is a menace that must be prevented therefore, we cannot fail in our responsibilities of consolidating our efforts to ensure the dignity of our women and girls, therefore all hands must continue to work together to achieve our goal.
“I want to emphasize my commitment to the fight against GBV and any form of abuse, especially against women and girls. It is my desire to see a Bauchi State that is free of gender-based violence. I have taken various steps in the actualisation of my desire for a violence-free society,” she said.