The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and improve protection for women, children, and vulnerable persons.
Adeleye made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, at the Ogun State Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta. The appeal was contained in a statement she personally signed on Wednesday.
Describing the engagement as vital to strengthening institutional ties, Adeleye said the partnership between the Ministry and the Police was essential 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. While we have enjoyed strong cooperation in many instances, there have also been reports of victims being asked to bear the cost of investigations or transportation to court,” she said.
She lamented that in some cases, out-of-court settlements were encouraged, denying victims the justice they deserve, and urged the Police Command to close such gaps while recommitting to professionalism and compassion in handling GBV cases.
Adeleye further emphasized the need for stronger protection policies and cross-sector collaboration, noting that abuse must become both punishable and preventable.
Commending the State Judiciary for its commitment to justice delivery, she revealed that her ministry was partnering with judicial authorities to fast-track GBV and child violence cases. She also disclosed ongoing advocacy for the creation of special courts in all judicial divisions to ensure swift prosecution.
Highlighting ongoing state interventions, Adeleye noted that Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) had been established across the state’s four zones, alongside Women Development Centres designed to rehabilitate and empower survivors.
She explained that the SARCs simplify medical and administrative processes for victims and commended the Ministry of Health and public hospitals for their continued support. Adeleye also called for the creation of Family Support Units (FSUs) in all police divisions to handle domestic and sexual violence cases professionally.
In response, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo praised Adeleye’s proactive leadership and reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for gender and child abuse, stressing that protecting women and children is a duty, not a choice.
Ogunlowo announced that henceforth, all GBV-related cases would be handled directly at the State Command Headquarters, with officers receiving specialized training to improve professionalism and data management.
Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance and Administration), DCP Serah Ehindero, reiterated the command’s commitment to enforcing justice, urging for increased public awareness on parental responsibility and community vigilance.
Gender-based violence remains a critical issue in Nigeria. Despite the 2015 Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, challenges persist, including low prosecution rates and uneven enforcement. Between 2020 and 2023, the country recorded 27,698 GBV cases, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, with only a handful of convictions.
Adeleye’s call for reform, coordination, and stronger police engagement signals Ogun State’s determination to build a safer, fairer society for all.
