News

NHRC, WfWI seek collaboration to end human rights violations in Plateau

Published

3 years ago

December 5, 2022

vicky

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC and the Women for Women International, WfWI have called on citizens of Plateau State to do away with the culture of silence but speak out anytime they see cases of abuses of human rights so that the rising cases of death as the result of sexual and gender violence could be curbed.

The State Coordinator of the NHRC, Mrs. Grace Pam, and the Country Director of the WfWI, Bukola Onyishi appealed while interacting with stakeholders and the media as part of their activities to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism.

The officials of the NHRC met with Civil Society Organizations to discuss gender laws in Plateau State which are in place to provide succour to survivors/victims of gender violence while those of WfWI parleyed with the media to share their activities on gender-based violence and solicit the journalists support in creating awareness to citizens to understand what violence against women and children entails.

Addressing the CSOs, Pam said, “We are in the period of celebration of activism and activities for the elimination of violence against women and girls. The Commission has been given the mandate to protect, promote and enforce the rights of all humans so we have been working with some of you to ensure the rights of citizens of Plateau State are protected. You know that we have limitations, some times, funding is a problem, and sometimes other issues pose problems in the course of carrying out our mandate but by and large, we have tried our best to make sure the rights of citizens are protected.

“We called you here as stakeholders and people that are passionate about issues of protection of human rights to ensure we work together. You know that there is an upsurge in the cases of violation of rights, particularly of children, that of women is not new to us. Every day in this Commission, we get one complain or the other about the violation of women and children, particularly young girls. You heard about the one who was abused by her madam until she lost her life.

“While we, the women are advocating for the respect of our rights, some of us are at the same time abusing the rights of others, this has to stop, where is the justification of asking for our rights to be respected while trampling on others?

Please let’s respect ourselves and respect the rights of others even as we want others to respect ours.”

However, Barr Yop Rwang of the State Ministry of Justice gave an overview of gender laws in the State as participants discussed the laws and policies, seeking clarifications on grey areas.

Onyishi represented by Anthonia Olehi noted,

“the theme of the 16 Days Activism is Unite Activism to end violence against women and girls, WfWI solicits your support and collaboration to create awareness and sensitized the citizens to understand violence against women. Enlist you to frequently report issues of violence against women thereby challenging social norms and behaviour that condone violence against women and girls…”

Meanwhile, Bukola Gbobaniyi of WfWI in a policy brief added,

“… In 2021, violence against women continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations. Globally, 1 in 3 women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives… In addition to intimate partner violence, violence against women and girls (VAWG) can occur on a spectrum and includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, taking away someone’s right to make decisions, and economic deprivation – both inside and outside of the home.

“These forms of violence are intimately linked with women’s overall well-being, including physical health, mental health, financial security, and capacity to participate in their community and society. Women for Women International gathered qualitative data from communities where we operate within Nigeria to detail the prevalence of VAWG along this nuanced spectrum both to inform our programming and toelevate relevant policy recommendations that will support actors across the triple nexus of development, humanitarianism, and peacebuilding to end VAWG…”

She called for continued action stressing, “Though attitudes in the community have been slow to change and the implementation of VAWG legal frameworks have been challenged by inconsistent adoption, insufficient resources, and community stigma, many community members and leaders felt optimistic about the perceived changes thus far and the potential for the future…”

Media practitioners gave input on how sexual and gender-based violence could be curbed and unanimously asked for support groups to be created so that survivors could share experiences and raise voices against violence against women and girls.

News

NPFL: Bendel Insurance warn Boboye over unruly behaviour

Published

6 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Preport

Bendel Insurance management have cautioned technical adviser, Kennedy Boboye against a repeat of his misconduct in the matchday 32 encounter with Plateau United.

They said such behaviours will not be tolerated as they remain a disciplined and law-abiding club.

DAILY POST recalls that Boboye received heavy sanctions for attacking a match official after the game.

The Benin-based club also apologised to the Nigeria Referee Association (NRA) for the incident.

“After a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the consequences there-in, the management expressed disgust and condemned the action of head coach Kennedy Boboye and described the incident as ugly and unfortunate,” Bendel Insurance were quoted by the NPFL media.

‎”The management has also cautioned coach Kennedy Boboye and his crew against a repeat of such action(s), insisting such behaviours will not be tolerated as Insurance FC remain a disciplined and law abiding club.”

News

UN pledges support for displaced Yelewata residents

Published

7 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Preport

The United Nations has assured Yelewata and other victims of conflicts and disasters of its support to return not only to their ancestral homes but also with dignity.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, gave the assurance on Friday when she visited the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Yelewata community was attacked on June 13, 2025, during which scores were killed and many properties were destroyed.

Mrs Mohammed stated that the people of Benue and other Nigerians must live and work in a safe and secure environment.

The UN deputy secretary-general said that her visit was to stand in solidarity with the state, especially women and children who suffer the most in times of conflict.

She added that her visit was in solidarity with the Yelewata community, which experienced a terrible and tragic day.

Mrs Mohammed described the June 13 Yelewata attack as a painful moment that must never be allowed to happen again.

She said that the government must do everything possible to ensure that farmers continue their farming in a safe environment.

“It is not right that you must farm in unsafe conditions.

“Instead, we must find ways to bring farming closer to you and ensure that your produce reaches markets that reflect your dignity, markets befitting of the people of Yelewata and Benue,” she said.

According to her, Benue has always been known as the food basket of the nation, and she hoped that the state would reclaim that identity.

“I have listened carefully to all that you have said about your hopes and needs. Ultimately, I know that many of you wish to return home, because home is truly where the heart is.

“We face challenges in our country. I remember coming here when it was Benue Plateau before the divisions into Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau. There were no boundaries; it was one community.

“Back then, even as a Fulani woman among Tiv people, we lived more closely and harmoniously than what we see today. It pains me to witness how things have changed.

“We must return to that unity as Nigerians, embracing the richness of our diversity in religion and culture. It is not impossible.

“For those of us who remember the Nigeria we inherited at independence, we must speak to our young people about what this country once was and what it can be again.

“Without that shared vision, we risk losing our collective future,” she said.

Mrs Mohammed also said that she was deeply committed to amplifying the voices of the voiceless, especially those of women and children.

She said across the Sahel, West Africa, Sudan, Gaza and other conflict-affected regions, conflicts have continued to cause pain and suffering for innocent people.

“Let this be our tribute to those who lost their lives: that we will build a better community, a better Benue, and a better Nigeria. A country where all citizens are equal. That must remain our goal.

“As a Nigerian, I am committed to this. As the UN Deputy Secretary-General, I am committed to amplifying your voices and ensuring that your struggles and those of many others across the country are heard.

“Across the Sahel, in West Africa, and in places like Sudan and Gaza, conflict continues to cause suffering. We must prioritise peace. Without peace, we cannot return to our farms.

“Without peace, our economy cannot grow. Without peace, the 70% of our population who are young people will have no future.

“We must also hold our politicians accountable. Peace is what we demand. That is why we vote,” she said.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia directed the immediate reopening of the Yelewata Market for commercial activities.

Mr Alia acknowledged the contributions of the UN and its agencies for their efforts towards the plight of all IDPs in Benue.

The governor said that insecurity was threatening the peace and unity of the country and Benue in particular and commended Mohammed for visiting the state.

(NAN)