Katsina Sexual Assault Centre records 110 cases since 2023, with UNICEF supporting survivor-centred care and improved child protection systems
Katsina Sexual Assault Centre has documented about 110 cases of sexual assault since its establishment in December 2023, according to the Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development.
Also read: UNICEF BIRD-Lab Nigeria launches to boost child survival
Permanent Secretary of the department, Mr Aminu Badaru-Jikamshi, revealed the figure during the opening of a three-day stakeholder training in Katsina on Tuesday.
He said 60 of the cases have already been uploaded to the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) for proper tracking and response.
The training, organised in collaboration with UNICEF, brought together participants from Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States, including medical personnel, justice and police officials, social workers, and gender-based violence officers.
Badaru-Jikamshi explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen access to timely and survivor-centred services for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
“This progress reflects our growing ability to document, monitor, and respond to child protection concerns with professionalism and transparency,” he said.
He praised UNICEF’s role in supporting Katsina’s child protection system, adding that the partnership has equipped the Katsina Sexual Assault Centre with tools and knowledge that have significantly improved care quality and stakeholder coordination.
Looking ahead, the permanent secretary said the state is exploring a study tour to other regions with established Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to adopt best practices for more effective service delivery.
He encouraged participants to use the training to “listen, learn, and share experiences” to ensure stronger, coordinated responses for survivors.
UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection, Mr Ibrahim Sesay, represented by Ms Pragna Chakma, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ending violence against children in Nigeria.
“In 2024, the Minister of Women Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s pledge to end violence against children, and UNICEF remains fully committed to supporting that goal,” Chakma said.
She noted that UNICEF has continued to provide essential items and technical support to help the Katsina centre operate at full capacity.
Badaru-Jikamshi expressed gratitude to UNICEF, development partners, and other stakeholders for their “unwavering commitment to building a safer environment for every child in Katsina State.”
Also read: UNICEF BIRD-Lab Nigeria launches to boost child survival
With ongoing support from partners and the strengthening of its data systems, the Katsina Sexual Assault Centre continues to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s broader fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
