Kogi GBV prevention efforts receive police backing as NGOs partner with the command to strengthen response, awareness, and protection across communities statewide.
The Kogi State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with civil society organisations and development groups to strengthen ongoing efforts aimed at reducing violence and abuse across communities, with special focus on women and vulnerable groups.
The renewed push under the Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention framework is expected to improve reporting, protection, and coordinated response to cases of abuse and violent crimes.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, during a strategic advocacy visit by representatives of the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID) alongside other civic organisations.
The meeting took place at the police command headquarters in Lokoja and centered on building stronger operational ties between law enforcement and advocacy institutions.
According to the police commissioner, meaningful progress in tackling gender-related abuse and other violent acts cannot be achieved by security agencies alone.
He explained that sustainable impact depends on cooperation among the police, government institutions, non-profits, and grassroots stakeholders.
He described the Kogi GBV prevention strategy as one that must be driven by shared responsibility and continuous engagement at all levels.
He noted that violence targeting women and girls has deep social consequences, affecting families, economic stability, and community wellbeing.
Because of this, he said, enforcement agencies are ready to support credible organisations working to prevent abuse, protect victims, and promote safer social norms.
He added that the command is open to joint training sessions, awareness campaigns, and referral systems that make intervention faster and more effective.
The commissioner further stressed that every household is directly or indirectly affected by gender-related abuse, making it a universal concern rather than a sectional issue.
He said officers have been encouraged to treat such cases with seriousness, sensitivity, and professionalism.
Strengthening Kogi GBV prevention measures, he added, will remain part of the command’s broader community policing approach.
During the engagement, PIBCID’s Executive Director, Akande Racheal Remilekun, explained that the visit was designed to formalize collaboration with the police in three major areas: capacity building for women, public sensitisation campaigns, and institutional support structures.
She said closer coordination with law enforcement improves the credibility and reach of intervention projects, especially in rural and semi-urban communities.
She revealed that the initiative is funded by the Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), which supports programmes focused on women’s rights, safety, and inclusion.
Through this support, PIBCID has been able to launch multiple field activities aligned with Kogi GBV prevention goals, including training workshops, local advocacy meetings, and information outreach drives.
Remilekun listed several communities where interventions have already taken place. These include Ujagba and Okpachala in Igalamela Local Government Area, Nagazi/Osisi in Adavi LGA, and Serikinoma, Adankolo, Felele, and Zango/Ajanaku within Lokoja Local Government Area.
She said each location was selected based on vulnerability indicators and the need for structured awareness and support systems.
She explained that programme components include educating women and young people on their rights, teaching early warning and reporting channels, and encouraging the practical use of existing legal and policy frameworks.
Another key aspect is improving access to verified information so that at-risk groups can make safer decisions and seek help earlier. These layered interventions are designed to reinforce Kogi GBV prevention outcomes at the grassroots level.
Stakeholders at the meeting also discussed the importance of trust between communities and the police.
Civil society representatives emphasized that survivors are more likely to report abuse when they believe authorities will respond fairly and confidentially.
In response, the police leadership reiterated its willingness to improve victim-friendly processes and strengthen designated response units.
Development partners present at the session noted that beyond enforcement, prevention depends heavily on education and cultural change.
They recommended sustained media campaigns, school-based awareness programmes, and engagement with traditional and religious leaders.
Such approaches, they said, help reshape attitudes that often enable abuse to continue unchallenged.
Security analysts observing the collaboration say multi-sector partnerships typically produce better safety outcomes than isolated institutional efforts.
By aligning advocacy, funding, enforcement, and community engagement, the Kogi GBV prevention model could become more measurable and scalable over time.
Both the police command and the visiting organisations agreed to maintain regular communication and develop a joint action framework.
This is expected to include referral pathways, data sharing within legal limits, and periodic evaluation of intervention impact. The shared objective is to reduce violence rates, improve survivor support, and build safer communities across the state.
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