Ogun, police unite to curb gender violence, protect women

The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police to curb the growing cases of gender-based violence and ensure better protection for women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Adeleye made the call during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, at the Ogun State Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.

This was stated by the commissioner in a statement she signed on Wednesday.

Describing the engagement as vital to strengthening ties between the Ministry and the Police, Adeleye said the partnership was key to ending abuse, exploitation, and GBV across the state.

She said, “Over the years, we have handled numerous cases of gender-based violence, child neglect, and abuse where police intervention was crucial. While we have enjoyed strong cooperation in many instances, there have also been reports of victims being asked to bear the cost of investigations or transportation to court.

“In some unfortunate cases, out-of-court settlements were encouraged, denying victims the justice they deserve. These gaps require urgent and deliberate reform.”

Adeleye appealed to the police command to close such gaps and renew their commitment to professionalism and compassion in handling GBV cases.

We must strengthen our protection policies and strategies across all sectors. Together, we can make abuse not only punishable but preventable,” she added.

The commissioner commended the State Judiciary for its commitment to justice delivery, revealing that her ministry was working with judicial authorities to fast-track GBV and child violence cases.

She also disclosed ongoing advocacy for the establishment of special courts in all judicial divisions to handle such cases swiftly.

Highlighting ongoing interventions, Adeleye noted that the state had established Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in its four zones, as well as Women Development Centres to rehabilitate and empower survivors.

She explained that SARCs were designed to simplify medical and administrative processes for victims, commending the Ministry of Health and public hospitals for their continued support.

She further advocated the creation of Family Support Units in all police divisions to handle domestic and sexual violence cases promptly and professionally.

Responding, Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, praised Adeleye’s proactive leadership, describing her as a passionate and committed public servant.

Ogunlowo assured that the Command would intensify efforts to ensure due diligence in handling GBV and child protection cases, adding that “The Command has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of corrupt practices. Protecting women and children is not a choice—it is a duty.”

He announced that henceforth, all GBV-related cases would be handled directly at the State Command Headquarters, with officers receiving specialised training to enhance professionalism and accurate data management.

Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance and Administration), DCP Serah Ehindero, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to zero tolerance for gender and child abuse, calling for more public enlightenment on parental responsibility.

Ehindero stressed that many cases of abuse stem from ignorance or negligence and urged continuous awareness campaigns to prevent violations.

Gender-based violence remains a critical challenge in Nigeria, with hundreds of daily cases involving physical, sexual and domestic abuse.

Despite laws such as the 2015 Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, challenges persist, including low prosecution rates and inconsistent enforcement across states.

Between 2020 and 2023, Nigeria recorded 27,698 GBV cases, resulting in over 1,000 deaths but only a few convictions.