The Katsina Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has recorded about 110 cases of sexual assault since its establishment in December 2023, officials have confirmed.
The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development, Mr. Aminu Badaru-Jikamshi, disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening of a three-day stakeholder training held in Katsina. The event was organised in partnership with UNICEF and brought together representatives from the health, justice, police, and social welfare sectors across Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa states.
According to Badaru-Jikamshi, 60 of the cases have so far been uploaded to the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which enables better tracking, documentation, and follow-up for survivors.
“This progress reflects our growing ability to document, monitor, and respond to child protection concerns with professionalism and transparency,” he said.
He highlighted that the training aims to strengthen survivors’ access to timely and coordinated support through a child-centred and survivor-focused approach.
Badaru-Jikamshi also acknowledged UNICEF’s role in equipping the SARC with essential tools and technical support, saying the collaboration has improved coordination among stakeholders within the child protection system.
He further noted that the state is exploring a study tour to other states with fully operational sexual assault centres in order to adopt best practices and improve Katsina’s service delivery.
In her remarks, Ms. Pragna Chakma, representing UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection in Abuja, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to end violence against children.
She noted that UNICEF had already provided supplies and operational support to strengthen the Katsina SARC and to ensure survivors receive care with dignity, confidentiality, and compassion.
The training continues throughout the week and is expected to enhance collaboration among institutions working to protect vulnerable children and survivors of gender-based violence.
