By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe

The wife of the Gombe State Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has reiterated her commitment to tackling gender-based violence (GBV) in the state. She expressed concern over the rising prevalence of abuse, with reports indicating that over 87% of women and children in Gombe are affected.

Hajiya Asma’u made this pledge during a strategic meeting with women in political leadership, spouses of politicians, and other key stakeholders. The meeting, held at the State Ministry of Women Affairs, focused on actionable steps to curb violence against women and children across the state.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, the governor’s wife described the event as a milestone, being the first of its kind in 33 years to align with the global “16 Days of Activism” campaign against GBV.

She emphasized the role of women in leadership positions in combating the crisis, stressing the urgency of the situation. “Statistics show that over 87% of women and children in Gombe are victims of gender-based violence. If we don’t act decisively, the situation will worsen,” she warned.

Hajiya Asma’u noted that the involvement of wives of local government chairpersons, councilors, legislators, and commissioners was intentional to ensure the campaign reaches rural areas, where abuse often goes unreported. “We must break the culture of silence. Covering up cases of abuse under the guise of protecting the victim’s dignity only deepens the problem,” she stated.

She also stressed the need for accountability. “Gombe State has laws to address GBV. Perpetrators, regardless of their status, will be exposed and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent,” she affirmed.

Speaking on behalf of the wives of local government chairpersons, Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Usman, the wife of Gombe Local Government Chairman, pledged their full support.

She announced plans to establish a dedicated committee to address abuse cases and revealed ongoing efforts to build a survivor support center in Gombe Local Government Area.

Similarly, Hajiya Hauwa Saraki, Chairperson of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), raised concerns about the growing cases of abuse. She highlighted that many incidents are perpetrated by close family members, including parents, against their own children.

“We must take collective action to address this issue and ensure strict enforcement of the law. No one, regardless of their position, should escape justice if found guilty of abuse,” Hajiya Hauwa declared.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to intensify awareness, enforce laws, and provide necessary support for victims of gender-based violence.