The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has expressed concern over the numerous cases of violence in Benue State, Nigeria, and is seeking stronger collaboration with the state government to address gaps in the response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). According to Juliet Olumuyiwa-Rufai, GBV Cross-Sector Service Provision and Protection Specialist at International IDEA, the organization is working to prevent SGBV, strengthen institutional responses, and improve access to essential services for survivors. This effort is part of the European Union-funded Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme.
During a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Theresa Ikwue, in Makurdi, it was disclosed that Benue State has no state-owned shelters and only one Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC), which is not functioning optimally. Olumuyiwa-Rufai noted that SGBV affects people across age and gender groups, including children, elderly women, and male survivors. The programme has three components focusing on strengthening legislation, improving survivor services, and promoting positive social norms aimed at preventing SGBV.
The ESGBV Programme, which is expected to run for about four years, has encountered cases involving various demographics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive services. Component 2 of the programme, led by Olumuyiwa-Rufai, focuses on healthcare, psychosocial support, justice, referrals, shelters, and protection services for survivors. International IDEA aims to work with the Benue State Government to strengthen leadership and coordination of the state’s SGBV response without taking ownership of government institutions.
Olumuyiwa-Rufai emphasized that although Nigeria has about 52 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), the priority should be to ensure that existing centres are functional, adequately equipped, and accessible to survivors. International IDEA plans to support improved GBV data collection, referral pathways, shelters, psychosocial services, and community-based interventions, particularly in hard-to-reach communities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The Benue State Coordinator of the ESGBV Programme, Mrs. Gloria Bai, identified inadequate shelters and non-functional survivor service facilities as major gaps in the state’s SGBV response. Bai called for a dedicated space within the Ministry of Women Affairs for an SGBV unit, which could be supported and equipped under Component 2 of the programme. She also recommended an assessment of the existing SARC to determine its functionality and capacity.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Martha Edor, disclosed that Benue currently has only one SARC, which is inadequate to cater to survivors across the state. Edor appealed to International IDEA and other development partners to support the establishment of additional centres and shelters to strengthen the capacity of service providers. She noted that the government cannot tackle SGBV alone and appreciated development partners for their continued support and collaboration.
Edor further disclosed that Benue has no government-owned shelter for SGBV survivors, with existing shelters operated by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). She described the absence of a government-owned shelter as a major gap requiring urgent intervention by development partners. The government expressed readiness to partner with International IDEA to ensure that survivors of SGBV in Benue receive the required services.
Key points
- International IDEA is working with the Benue State Government to strengthen the state’s SGBV response.
- Benue State has only one functional SARC and no government-owned shelters for SGBV survivors.
- The ESGBV Programme aims to prevent SGBV, strengthen institutional responses, and improve access to essential services for survivors.
