NGO launches awareness campaign on Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law in Kaduna communities

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By Ahmed Ali, Kafanchan

In a significant step towards promoting stability, access to justice, and accountability in North-West Nigeria, the NGO Global Peace Development, supported by International Alert, has launched a sensitization and awareness campaign on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kaduna communities. The campaign’s launch event took place in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Headquarters of Kaduna State on Thursday.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Esike Ebruke, Executive Director of Global Peace Development, highlighted the multifaceted root causes of conflict and violence in Nigeria and their devastating impact on vulnerable populations. He emphasized the prevalence of gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, and the lack of accountability for perpetrators, which have continued to dehumanize individuals and hinder access to justice.

“Despite the existence of the VAPP Law in Kaduna State and other parts of the country, many individuals remain unaware of their rights and the protections afforded to them under this law,” Mr. Ebruke stated. “This event seeks to bridge that gap by increasing knowledge and capacity on the VAPP Law to promote justice and accountability for victims and survivors.”

He called for the commitment of critical stakeholders, including political and religious leaders, justice and security agents, and community members, to address inequality, human rights violations, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), insecurity, and poverty. He expressed confidence that the event’s objectives—enhancing knowledge on the VAPP Law and improving access to justice for vulnerable populations—would be achieved through collective efforts.

Mr. Ebruke also thanked International Alert Nigeria and other partners for their support in implementing the project “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, Accountability, and Prevention of SGBV.”

Barrister Christiana from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) provided an in-depth discussion on the Kaduna State VAPP Law, established in 2018, focusing on offenses, the application for protection orders, and the role of service providers.

Mr. Yahaya Sani, a representative from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Kaduna State, stressed the importance of the VAPP Law for offenders, survivors, and community gatekeepers. “It is everyone’s responsibility to go back and advocate for peace in their various communities,” he urged.

Goodwill messages from ASP Monica Barau, NSCDC Commandant in Kafanchan; ASP Saminu Aliyu, KADVS Commandant in Jema’a Local Government; the Village Head of Gwoska; and the District Head of Kafanchan Kewaye appreciated the organization’s efforts in raising awareness at the community level.

The campaign is a pivotal effort to ensure that justice and accountability are accessible to all, paving the way for a more just, inclusive, and stable society in Kaduna State.