By Divine Sam

Stakeholders in Niger State have rejected the practice of settling rape cases within traditional palaces, insisting that allegations of sexual and gender-based violence must be reported to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.

The stakeholders, drawn from traditional institutions, religious organisations, security agencies, government ministries, and women and youth groups, made the position known during a two-day dialogue on the adoption and interpretation of gender-based violence (GBV) policies in Nigeria.

The meeting, organised by Succour Foundation at Haske Luxury Hotel in Minna, focused on strengthening community responses to sexual and gender-based violence and ensuring that survivors are not denied justice through informal settlements.

Participants warned that resolving serious sexual offences outside established legal channels could allow perpetrators to escape accountability while leaving survivors without the justice and protection they deserve.

Programme Coordinator of Succour Foundation, Mrs Anna Malgwi, stressed the need for closer cooperation among traditional rulers, religious leaders, government institutions and security agencies to ensure that survivors receive appropriate support and access to justice.

She emphasised that tackling gender-based violence requires a coordinated response, particularly at the community level, where traditional and religious leaders often play influential roles in how allegations of abuse are handled.

The stakeholders consequently resolved to strengthen collaboration among the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs and community-based organisations to improve the reporting and management of GBV cases.

They also called for sustained public awareness campaigns to challenge the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and educate residents about survivors’ rights, available reporting channels and existing legal protections.

Traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim leaders, and representatives of women and youth groups pledged to take the message to their respective communities, churches, mosques and organisations, encouraging residents to report abuse and respect the dignity of vulnerable persons.

Participants identified stigma, intimidation, fear of retaliation and pressure from family or community members as some of the major reasons survivors hesitate to report sexual violence.

They called for greater confidentiality in handling cases, improved protection for complainants and better access to support services, warning that survivors should not be subjected to further humiliation or intimidation after reporting abuse.

Security agencies at the dialogue reaffirmed their commitment to handling GBV cases professionally and without stigmatising survivors. Representatives of the Ministry of Women Affairs also pledged to advocate stronger adoption and implementation of relevant policies across Niger State and its local government areas.

The meeting further emphasised that traditional and religious leaders must use their influence to encourage lawful action and support survivors rather than discourage them from pursuing justice.

As part of efforts to turn the resolutions into practical action, participants agreed to intensify community mobilisation and public education in Minna and Suleja.

Women’s groups, youth representatives, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and traditional rulers are expected to play leading roles in the proposed awareness initiatives.

The stakeholders also resolved to use social media platforms to educate the public, publicise accessible channels for reporting abuse and encourage communities to speak out against gender-based violence.

They further agreed to engage the Ministry of Women Affairs on policy adoption and implementation while advocating improved documentation and reporting of GBV cases to strengthen responses across the state.

The participants maintained that sustained cooperation between government institutions, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organisations would be necessary to achieve meaningful results at the grassroots.

They concluded that ending gender-based violence requires more than laws and government policies; it also demands a change in community attitudes so that survivors can report abuse without fear of shame, intimidation or retaliation.