By Ahmed Ahmed
Bauchi State experts and stakeholders on gender-based violence (GBV) have called for the urgent recruitment of more magistrates and lawyers to address the growing threat of GBV in the state.
The call was made at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Bauchi-based NGO, “We Aid Initiative,” with support from Urgent Action Fund Africa, on Thursday in Bauchi.
The meeting aimed to address the issue of GBV in Bauchi State and suggest ways to end the menace. In attendance were magistrates, lawyers, civil society organizations, the media, and representatives of local councils.
The stakeholders also advocated for increased funding and logistical support for the police and judiciary to ensure that GBV perpetrators are brought to justice.
Magistrate Haruna Abdulmumin Mamman emphasized the need for more magistrates, citing the state judiciary’s gross understaffing.
He noted that the entire Bauchi State judiciary has only 40 magistrates, with 20 required in the state capital. Some magistrates handle up to 100 cases, leading to stressful working conditions.
Magistrate Abdulmumin attributed most GBV cases to poverty and called for legislation to compel community leaders to speak out against violence.
Barrister Maimuna Ibrahim of the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice highlighted the public’s misconception about the police, stating that many officers use their personal funds for official work due to lack of logistical support.
Barrister Elizabeth George, Executive Director of “Child Is Gold,” presented a baseline overview of GBV in Bauchi State and commended the community mediation initiative, “ZAUREN SULHU.” However, she regretted that traditional leaders often allow GBV perpetrators to escape justice.
Dr. Sa’adatu Danladi, Executive Director of “Afri-Hub,” commended the Bauchi State Government for reporting 46 GBV cases and hoped for more reports in the future.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for synergy between courts, CSOs, police, and community leaders to combat GBV in Bauchi State.