CAN, JNI Community Unite For Action As Stakeholders Declare War On GBV, Child Marriage 

By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna

In a united show of force against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child marriage, top government officials, religious leaders, legal experts, and civil society actors gathered in Kaduna State to make a public declaration reaffirming their commitment to ending all forms of violence against women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

The public declaration stands as a joint commitment to prevention, justice, and societal change, a multi-pronged approach that Kaduna State hopes would reduce, and eventually eliminate GBV.

The event, which took place at the Centre for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV), Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government area of the state on Saturday, June 28, 2025, marked a major step forward in the state’s fight to eradicate GBV and promote Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).

The declaration followed months of intensive capacity building for stakeholders, including community and religious leaders, healthcare professionals, security agents and members of the judiciary.

Executive Director of CERSDOV, Professor Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf, said the declaration was not just symbolic; it reflected a collective determination to eradicate gender-based violence, especially sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and to challenge the harmful practices still prevalent in our communities.

The varsity don emphasised the importance of the collaboration between civil society and the state, just as she acknowledged the participation of key government actors.

“We are pleased to have the Honourable Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development represented by Hajiya Mariam”, she said.

She further expressed appreciation to the Norwegian Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for their long-standing support.

“We do not take this support for granted. CERSDOV remains fully committed to delivering on the mandate to end GBV and promote SRHR in Kaduna State”, she added.

Barrister Sarah Peters, Senior State Counsel at the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, made it clear that the declaration has direct legal implications.

“Legally, the implication is clear, GBV will no longer be treated with leniency or indifference. It is not business as usual, L.

“As prosecutors, we are more prepared than ever to pursue justice. All existing laws against sexual violence, child marriage, and forced marriage will be fully enforced. And if there is a need to strengthen them further, we are ready”, she stressed.

She called on police and other investigative agencies to improve collaboration and commitment.

“We are ready to go all out to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that survivors receive the support they need.

“But our ultimate goal is prevention. We don’t want to wait until these crimes happen”, she maintained.

 Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Chapter, Reverend Ma’aji Caleb, said the initiative was aligned with Christian values.

“Our Holy Book, the Bible, does not support violence, especially against any person created by God

“No individual has the right to oppress another, regardless of status or background. We are all created in God’s image”, he said.

Reverend Caleb emphasised the role of religious leaders in shifting societal attitudes, saying, “By involving pastors, priests, deacons, elders, and women’s groups, we can help build mutual respect and promote peace within families and communities. That is the essence of the Church”, he stated.

In a similar tone, Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Kaduna State chapter, Ibrahim Issa Kufena, affirmed that Islam already provided a strong framework against GBV.

To him, “This declaration supports what Islam already commands. It is not outside our teachings. It reinforces them.

“Nowhere in Islam is it allowed to beat, harass, or force anyone to do something against their will”.

He noted that JNI has already mobilised its grassroots structures to take the message to the local level.

“We’ve informed all our branches, down to the ward level. We are using our Friday sermons, community preaching, and religious gatherings to pass the message across”, the Islamic leader remarked.

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