Stakeholders in Kaduna State have raised concern over what they describe as a rise in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) involving some religious leaders. They say the abuse of spiritual authority is exposing women, girls and children to exploitation, physical abuse and trauma.
They called for tougher enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. They also want better investigation and prosecution of offenders, and more accountability from religious institutions and government agencies.
The concerns came up at a two-day state-level policy dialogue on bridging the implementation gap in the VAPP Law. CLEEN Foundation organised the event in Kaduna. Participants came from government ministries, security agencies, Kaduna State University, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), civil society groups and the media.
CLEEN Foundation Warns of “Emerging Crisis”
CLEEN Foundation’s project manager, Dr Salaudeen Hashim, said some religious leaders who should protect people are becoming threats to them. According to him, some worship centres are turning into places where leaders prey on those under their care.
He said people who approach religious leaders for counselling or faith-based help are allegedly being abused. Hashim urged interreligious bodies in the state to examine the conduct of their leaders and address abuses within their ranks.
Prosecutor Promises Legal Action
A Senior State Counsel with the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, Ambassador Sarah Gajere-Peters, called the allegations alarming. She said the ministry is receiving a growing number of cases involving pastors, imams and sheikhs.
She recalled reports of worship centres being used to abuse young girls. According to her, some leaders allegedly take people to secluded places when they come for counselling or prayers.
Gajere-Peters said the ministry would take legal action against any leader found culpable. She called for the maximum penalty where convictions are secured. She added that SGBV is also committed by people outside religious institutions.
One case discussed at the dialogue involved a child who was allegedly raped after being sent to deliver food to a religious leader. The suspect reportedly claimed the child had a disease and that the assault would cure it.
Government Outlines Support Measures
The Kaduna State Government said it has taken steps to strengthen support for survivors and improve case reporting. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, was represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Hajiya Mariam Mua’zu.
Mua’zu said the government has made budget provisions for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). These centres offer survivors a one-stop point for support. The state has also introduced a referral protocol and a toll-free line to improve coordination and encourage early reporting.
She said better reporting is helping to break the culture of silence around SGBV. The government has also provided shelters, including a boys’ shelter at Aliyu Makama Road, Barnawa, and a women and children’s centre along Katuru Road.
