By Francesca Hangeior
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has declared his readiness to combat human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and violence against persons in the state.
He made the declaration on Thursday while hosting the State Taskforce Committee, led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Fadila Dikko, in his office.
Radda commended the task force for its achievements in rehabilitating victims and mitigating the effects of child abuse and trafficking in the state.
He emphasised the need for enhanced strategies to address the rising cases of violence, particularly sexual abuse against women.
“We must adopt more robust measures to free Katsina State from all forms of violence and child abuse.
“My administration is determined to provide all necessary resources for the task force to fulfil its mandate effectively.”
In her remark, the commissioner intimated to the governor about the task force’s accomplishments which include conducting medical outreach, providing school bags to 80 human trafficking victims, organising skills acquisition training for 30 victims, and offering psychological support to survivors.
She also noted the task force’s public awareness efforts through radio programmes and revealed plans to provide soft loans to over 100 youths, and scholarships to students in the state, adding that inadequate funding is a significant challenge to the task force’s operations.
In late September 2024, the governor reiterated his readiness to continue to invest in critical infrastructure as well as support entrepreneurship and innovations in a bid to move the state to more enviable heights.
He made this known at the Award/Dinner Night commemorating the 37th anniversary of the state creation held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Government House in Katsina.