GBV: Police to partner UNFPA in Borno
The Borno Police Command has reiterated its commitment to partner with the State Government and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in combatting Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Yusufu Mohammed, made this known on Friday in Maiduguri at the closing ceremony of a five-day training workshop for police officers on handling GBV, organised by the UNFPA.
Represented by ACP Idris Tanko, the police chief lauded UNFPA for strengthening the capacity of police personnel on investigations and handling of GBV, and assured of positive results from the police.
“We recognised the significance of this training and we are looking foward to wholistic approach in the protection of GBV survivors.
“To the participants who acquired the training, I will indulge you to adhere to strict professionalism in response to GBV with principles of safety, confidentiality, non-discrimination and respect for human rights in investigation and prosecution.
“The command is ready to strengthen its relationship with UNFPA in fighting this menace,” Mohammed said.
In her remarks on behalf of Ministry of Women Affairs, the Director Women Affairs, who is in charge of GBV Sub Sector in the ministry, Hajiya Falmata Umar, described the training as timely intervention that would enhance the fight against GBV in the state.
“This training, which involved handling of documentation and forensic evidence, among others, will really help in facilitating access to justice for survivors,” Umar said.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, the Head of Office and Humanitarian Coordinator in North East, Mr Christian Sabum, lauded the commitment shown by the police personnel that participated in the training.
Sabum said the training was in line with the UNFPA mandate of ensuring that no stakeholder was left behind in the fight against GBV and other harmful practices.
“Our training here focused on addressing GBV, which we all see as a major concern in the North East, especially in Borno.
“Women and girls continued to be the most vulnerable and the worst affected.
“Police being generally the first point of entry when cases of violence like this occurred, need to be well equipped with knowledge, skills and attitude on addressing the issue,” Sabum said.
He urged the Borno police command to open Gender Desk in every police station for GBV survivors to access services in a friendly way with respect for their dignity and confidentiality, among others, in line with what the training provided.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Insp. Naomi Umole and Corporal Nurudeen Bukar, lauded the measure to boost their knowledge and promised to make a difference.
“We have learnt a lot that will impact on quality of our services in the fight against GBV,” Umole said.
