By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has urged stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the territory.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, made the call during a meeting with stakeholders and representatives of law enforcement agencies on Saturday in Abuja.

Benjamins-Laniyi stressed the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to win the war against GBV.

The mandate secretary also called for stringent punishment for convicted sexual offenders to serve as a deterrent to other offenders.

“We need to work together as government agencies, law enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations and other Non-Governmental Organisations and religious groups to curb GBV in our communities.

“I urge all of you to contribute your expertise and professionalism in combating GBV in the FCT.

“FCTA is open for collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders and government agencies so that we will all be on the same page.

“This is very crucial to winning the war against GBV in FCT,” she said.

Also, the Disability Desk Officer in the secretariat, Beatrice Mube, also stressed the need to intensify the protection of persons with disabilities due to their increased vulnerability to GBV.

Mube also made a case for interpreters and sign language for the deaf and dumb to enable them to report abuse incidents to relevant authorities.

“There is also a very urgent need for ramps in public places to enable persons with disabilities access such buildings and facilities,” she said.

On her part, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Funmilayo Kolawole, said the Nigeria Police was doing the best it can to prosecute GBV offenders.

Kolawole also agreed with the mandate secretary that sex offenders deserve a higher prison sentence.

“We are ready to work, but require support from relevant stakeholders, particularly funding to boost the campaign against GBV,” the police officer said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal