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By Akpan David, Calabar
Cross River State Government has added its voice against the rising cases of gender based violence including rape and sexual assaults.
Similarly, the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) as well as Girls Power Initiative have raised the alarm that cases of rape have rather increased in Cross River State.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar, FIDA chairman in the state, Ann Alorye Awah said they received reports of young girls being raped daily in the state.
She said the issue of wife’s battery is equally rampant as well as children abandonment.
She stated that they are following up on all the reports and do not encourage attempts by interested persons to stop them.
The FIDA boss however said that it is only funds and occasional withdrawal by survivors or their parents that dissuade them.
According to her, they have secured four convictions yet in 2021.
Also speaking, director of social welfare in the state Ministry of Social Welfare and humanitarian affairs, Ms Elizabeth Uquak said there were 1026 cases of rape and Gender-Based Violence in three local government areas of the state, namely Akamkpa , Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.
“Between January to May this year, there are yet 395 rape cases which we are handling. As it looks,, more will still come in as we have not received reports from many other local government areas.”
Corroborating, head of monitoring and evaluation in the state General Hospital, Mrs Stella Asuquo Bassey said within one year, they have handled 89 rape and assault cases.
“More of these cases occured during the COVID-19 and EndSARS restriction period.”
She pleaded with the state government to allow them treat rape cases free as survivors can hardly afford the cost.
