Ogun State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police to combat rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and improve protection for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Adeleye made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, at the State Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
Describing the engagement as vital to strengthening ties between her ministry and the police, Adeleye stressed that partnership is key to ending abuse, exploitation, and GBV across the state.
“Over the years, we have handled numerous cases of gender-based violence, child neglect, and abuse where police intervention was crucial,” she said. “While we have enjoyed strong cooperation in many instances, gaps remain, such as victims being asked to bear investigation costs or being encouraged into out-of-court settlements, denying them justice.”
Adeleye urged the police to close these gaps and commit to professionalism and compassion in handling GBV cases, emphasizing the need for preventive as well as punitive measures.
Highlighting ongoing interventions, she noted that Ogun State has established Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in four zones and Women Development Centres to rehabilitate and empower survivors. The commissioner also advocated for Family Support Units in all police divisions to ensure prompt handling of domestic and sexual violence cases.
The commissioner commended the State Judiciary for its efforts in fast-tracking GBV and child abuse cases and revealed ongoing advocacy for the creation of special courts in all judicial divisions.
In response, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo praised Adeleye’s proactive leadership, assuring that the Command would intensify efforts to handle GBV and child protection cases diligently. He confirmed that all GBV-related cases would now be managed directly at the State Command Headquarters, with officers receiving specialized training.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance and Administration), DCP Serah Ehindero, reinforced the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on gender and child abuse, calling for continuous public awareness campaigns to prevent violations arising from ignorance or negligence.
GBV remains a major challenge in Nigeria, with hundreds of daily cases of physical, sexual, and domestic abuse. Despite the 2015 Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, prosecution rates remain low, and enforcement across states is inconsistent. Between 2020 and 2023, Nigeria recorded 27,698 GBV cases, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, yet only a fraction of offenders were convicted.
