Stakeholders Demand Strict Law Enforcement To End Sexual Violence

NEWSDAILYNIGERA: Stakeholders convened in Kaduna to demand for stricker enforcement of the laws to deal with cases and end issues of Sexual violence in Kaduna and Nigeria.

In a joint communique at the end of a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held on Friday, June 19, 2026, to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, community leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government representatives are demanding immediate action, stricter law enforcement, and an end to the culture of silence shielding perpetrators of sexual abuse.

The event, anchored by Dr. Maji Peterx, was organized under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme. Partner organizations including Carefronting Nigeria, Gender Awareness Trust, Engaging Borders, and the Kukah Center met alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth advocates to address the troubling rise of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across conflict-affected settings and local communities.

Despite the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kaduna State, participants observed that rape, domestic violence, and forced marriage remain rampant. The stakeholders identified critical gaps in the current system, noting that:

The stakeholders frowned at weak enforcement and legal delays, as inadequate prosecution of offenders and slow judicial processes severely hinder justice.

Adding that, the culture of silence deeply rooted societal stigma, victim-blaming, and fear of retaliation actively discourage survivors from reporting crimes.

Furthermore the communique observed that persistent poverty, displacement caused by ongoing insecurity, and weak parental guidance further expose young people—particularly women and girls—to exploitation.

While advocating for collective action the stakeholders unanimously resolved and outlined strategic roadmap forward, urging government bodies to eliminate systemic legal barriers so survivors can seek redress safely.

The communiqué heavily emphasized expanding holistic, survivor-centered support services, including medical care, legal aid, and counseling through specialized Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

Beyond legal frameworks, the delegation placed a heavy responsibility on communities to actively dismantle harmful social norms. Traditional and religious leaders were called upon to lead community-wide awareness campaigns, champion economic empowerment initiatives for vulnerable groups, and foster safe spaces that reject victim-blaming.

The communique concludes as the SPRiNG partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to breaking the silence, emphasizing that total elimination of sexual violence requires an unwavering, united front across every layer of Nigerian society.