Table of Contents
- Support from the Police Command
- Importance of Engagement
- Support for Victims
- Ministry's Interventions
- Commissioner of Police Remarks
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Adijat Adeleye, has requested the assistance of the State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure justice, accountability, and protection for women and children throughout the State.
Adeleye made this request during a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, at the State Police Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
She stated that this engagement is a vital step in reinforcing the long-standing collaboration between the Ministry and the Police in combating abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
She remarked, “Over the years, we have dealt with numerous cases of gender-based violence, child neglect, and abuse where police intervention was essential.
“While we have received commendable cooperation in many cases, there have also been instances where victims, already traumatized, were reportedly asked to cover the costs of investigations, transportation to court, or other related expenses.”
“In some regrettable cases, out-of-court settlements were allegedly promoted, thereby denying victims the justice and fairness they deserve. These are issues that require our collective focus and intentional reform,” Adeleye emphasized.
The Commissioner urged the Police Command to adopt proactive strategies to address these issues, encouraging the leadership of the Force to respond to the call of protecting the vulnerable with renewed compassion and professionalism.
Discussing the Ministry’s initiatives, Adeleye pointed out the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the four zones of the State and Women Development Centres that provide rehabilitation and empowerment for survivors. She explained that these were designed to alleviate administrative challenges, especially in conducting medical examinations for victims.
She also advocated for the creation of Family Support Units (FSUs) in all Police Divisions across the State, explaining that these units would function as dedicated desks for the prompt and professional handling of domestic and sexual violence cases.
In his response, CP Lanre Ogunlowo praised the commissioner for her proactive stance on child protection and women's welfare in the State, describing her as a “dedicated public officer motivated by genuine commitment.”
He assured that the Command would enhance administrative diligence in addressing cases related to gender-based violence and child protection, pledging ongoing support through available resources and personnel.
Ogunlowo revealed that moving forward, all gender-related cases would be managed directly by the State Command Headquarters, while officers would receive improved specialized training and orientation to bolster professionalism and accurate data management regarding GBV incidents.
- What is the purpose of the engagement between the Commissioner and the Police Command?
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The engagement aims to reinforce the partnership between the Ministry and the Police in combating abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence, ensuring justice and protection for women and children.
- What initiatives has the Ministry implemented to support victims?
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The Ministry has established Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and Women Development Centres to provide rehabilitation and empowerment for survivors, and is advocating for the creation of Family Support Units (FSUs) in Police Divisions to handle cases of domestic and sexual violence.
- How will the Police Command improve their handling of gender-related cases?
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The Police Command will manage all gender-related cases directly from the State Command Headquarters and enhance officer training to improve professionalism and data management on gender-based violence incidents.
