Group to partner Benue lawmakers on gender-based violence

A Non Governmental Organisation known as, ‘Side by Side Movement ‘ has said that plans are ongoing to partner with Benue State Assembly  to have relevant laws on gender-based violence.

The Co-chair of the group, Archbishop Cephas Okwori,  stated this on Thursday at a press briefing in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

According to him, gender-based violence has become a scourge to Nigerian society and stressed that the scourge had placed Kano state in the red on the index.

He, however, stated that the mission of the group is to ensure equity and justice for both genders when it comes to giving their needs.

He said, “We shall be working together with the religious leaders of both Christians and Muslims, traditional institutions, the media and state legislators to see how relevant laws on gender-based violence can be passed.

“Gender Justice is having the understanding that male and female, boy and girl child are of equal before God.

“It is to be fair to all persons in the way we treat them recognizing either male or female, boy or girl child are all made in the image of God.”

The clergy promised that the organisation is ready to work assiduously to increase awareness creation on gender base violence in some parts of the country.

Okwori lamented the gender base violence ravaging some parts of the country, particularly, Kano state and promised that the group would intensify its mission towards transforming the society that will mitigate and bring to a remarkable reduction the case of gender-based violence.

He added that the African Center for Leadership, Strategy and Development just ended a three day capacity building training for some religious leaders of Christian and Muslim clerics and ethnic community leaders in the state.

The clergy promised that that the organisation will be working to ensure to have a center where victims of gender-based violence can speak out and get justice.