NAPTIP prosecutes 2100 sexual offenders in 2020

The National agency for the prohibition of trafficking in persons (NAPTIP) has said that over 2100 sexual and gender-based violence cases were prosecution in 2020.

The Minister of Women affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, said this Friday in Abuja during the presentation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Act 2015 implementation report.

The data which was given from the Nigerian police force also reported that there were 155 convictions on sexual and gender-based violence cases in the country.

The report said that there was a spike in sexual and gender-based violence across the country between 2019 and 2020 and that at least over 14,970 survivors received help from sexual assault referral centers.

Dame Pauline Tallen said that the rate of physical, psychological and emotional violence against women and children in recent times was very disheartening and alarming.

“For one reported case, I can assure you that 10 other cases are not reported. It is time we break the cultural cycle silence and encourage survivors to speak out while giving them all the support they need and ensuring that justice is being served,” she said.

The Minister commended the agency and all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the 2015 VAPP act.

She said, “The fight of sexual and gender-based violence is no small feat. Therefore, it is important that all agencies collaborate and co-ordinate on strategies that will bring an end to it.”

In her opening remarks, Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi, said the agency will continue to work with its sister agencies in ensuring that survivors of sexual-gender based violence get the support and help that they need.

She said, “We are stepping up our efforts by applying 24 hours all hands-on deck approach to all sexual and gender-based violence cases to ensure that no one fall through the cracks. And to enhance the rapid response of all cases, the rapid response unit is being domiciled in my office, Office of the DG.”

(Daily Trust)