Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Katsina Governor, Dikko Radda
KATSINA, Nigeria – The Katsina State Government has introduced tougher measures to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), vowing stricter punishment for offenders and stronger protection systems for children.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari — represented by Commissioner for Information Bala Zango — said the administration maintains a firm zero-tolerance stance on all forms of abuse.
He urged security agencies and prosecutors to handle SGBV cases with greater diligence to ensure survivors receive timely justice.
Faskari announced that the state has established a special court under the High Court to hear SGBV cases exclusively, with the aim of speeding up proceedings and reducing the backlog of unresolved cases.
He added that Katsina’s ongoing awareness campaign seeks to deepen public understanding of the need to safeguard both male and female children.
He also highlighted the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, stressing that it strengthens the legal framework for prosecuting offenders. In addition, the state has set up a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to provide medical care, counselling and legal support for survivors.
Residents were encouraged to report suspected cases promptly, as “silence only protects perpetrators,” Faskari warned.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl-Child Education, Jamila Abdu-Mani — represented by Permanent Secretary Aminu Badaru-Jikamshi — described the programme as timely, noting the urgent need for sustained awareness and improved case-management systems. She emphasised that girl-child education remains “a powerful tool for empowerment and long-term community development.”
Earlier, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, expressed concerns about growing threats faced by women and girls both offline and online, warning that digital platforms have become hotspots for harassment, extortion and exploitation.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 
Hussaini Ibrahim