The Abia State Government has reported a significant number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the state. According to the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the Nchedo Sexual Assault and Referral Centre recorded seven cases in one month. These cases comprised six sexual violence and one domestic violence, involving five minors, aged between 10 years and 14 years, and two adult women, aged between 25 years and 40 years.
The cases documented at the centre included alleged rape and domestic violence against a pregnant woman. The centre provided medical and other support services to the survivors, including medical intervention and surgery for a 10-year-old survivor who sustained severe vaginal bleeding following alleged abuse. The commissioner stated that the cases had been documented for appropriate protection, investigation, referral, and legal processes.
The Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice. According to Mr. Kanu, “This administration is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice, no matter what it takes.” The commissioner said the development underscored the administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that survivors received the necessary support.
In a related development, the Abia State Government is set to commence the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets across the state in October. According to Mr. Kanu, the nets were currently being received in the state, and the distribution would be launched by Governor Alex Otti. The government is also collaborating with stakeholders across the 17 LGAs to ensure a seamless process.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, would commence larvae source management activities before the end of September. The exercise would focus on Isuikwuato and Aba South LGAs, whose available meteorological data showed the highest levels of mosquito larvae breeding in the state. This move is aimed at controlling malaria in the state.
The Abia State Government has also made significant progress in the health sector. The Ministry of Health hosted the Optometry and Opticians Registration Council of Nigeria for an accreditation visit. Additionally, the National Board for Technical Education visited to accredit facilities for optometry and nursing training at the College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and the Abia College of Nursing Sciences, Abiriba campus.
The state government has also announced that preparation for the fourth cohort of the Abia TechRise programme had commenced, following Governor Otti’s approval. The first three cohorts of the programme produced 2,210 graduates, with 88 outstanding graduates securing automatic employment into the Abia Civil Service. Furthermore, Abia will host the 2026 World Igbo Day on 29 September, featuring a keynote lecture, wreath-laying, an interdenominational service, and traditional dances.
Key points
- The Abia State Government recorded 7 GBV cases in one month, including 6 sexual violence and 1 domestic violence cases involving minors and adult women.
- The state government is set to commence the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets across the state in October.
- The Abia TechRise programme has produced 2,210 graduates, with 88 securing automatic employment into the Abia Civil Service.
