Permanent Secretary of the Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development, Mr. Aminu Badaru-Jikamshi, disclosed this during the opening of a three-day training for key stakeholders in Katsina on Tuesday

By Mathins Owoseni

The Katsina Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has recorded 110 cases of sexual assault since it was established in December 2023.

Permanent Secretary of the Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development, Mr. Aminu Badaru-Jikamshi, disclosed this during the opening of a three-day training for key stakeholders in Katsina on Tuesday.

The training, organised by the department in collaboration with UNICEF, brought together participants from Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa States, including medical personnel, police and justice officials, social workers, gender-based violence officers, and representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Badaru-Jikamshi said that 60 of the 110 cases have been uploaded into the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), highlighting improved documentation and coordination in handling sexual violence cases.

“This progress reflects our growing ability to document, monitor, and respond to child protection concerns with professionalism and transparency,” he stated.

He commended UNICEF for its continued support, noting that its technical and logistical assistance has strengthened the centre’s operations and the state’s overall child protection system.

“Through their support, our SARC centre has been equipped with essential tools, greatly enhancing the quality of care we provide to survivors,” he added.

The permanent secretary also revealed that the state government is considering a study tour to other states with well-established Sexual Assault Referral Centres to learn best practices.

He encouraged participants to use the training to exchange knowledge and experiences that will improve survivor-centred and child-friendly services across Katsina.

The three-day programme aims to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and improve access to timely, professional, and survivor-focused services for victims of sexual and gender-based violence in Katsina and neighbouring states.

KoikiMedia Bringing the World Closer to Your Doorstep

KoikiMedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep