By Willies Ugo, Gombe
Gombe AC4D – Dec. 5, 2025
The Advocacy Centre for Development (AC4D) has organised a roundtable discussion for gender officers of the Gombe State Police Command to deepen their understanding of the differences between the Penal Code and the Gombe State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2022.
Held at the Command’s conference hall, the engagement focused on strengthening officers’ legal knowledge, improving case-handling procedures, and enhancing victim-centred approaches in managing gender-based violence (GBV) cases across the state.
Despite rising cases of GBV in Gombe, many incidents—especially sexual offences against minors—remain underreported. Executive Director of AC4D and Chairman of Gombe State Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET), Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf, expressed concern over the trend, attributing it to a persistent culture of silence that denies survivors justice.
He lamented that many victims encounter barriers while seeking redress, describing the situation as frustrating and damaging to society, as survivors are often left traumatised.
Declaring the meeting open, the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, underscored the need to improve officers’ legal capacity and professionalism in handling GBV cases. He commended AC4D and partners for their support and called for stronger collaboration between the Police and civil society.
Key presentations were delivered by the Director of Public Prosecution in the State Ministry of Justice, Jungudo Ali, who spoke on distinguishing the Penal Code from the VAPP Law, and by the Gender and GBV Focal Officer, Ministry of Justice, Mwalin Naomi Abdu Esq, who highlighted GBV offences under the VAPP Law and the role of the Police in prosecution.
Executive Director of Wildan Care Foundation, Hajiya Zariyatu Abubakar, also addressed participants on the role of stakeholders in the fight against GBV.
Gender officers at the meeting pledged to step down the knowledge gained, increase GBV awareness in their divisions, strengthen investigations, create safe reporting environments, listen attentively to complaints, and show empathy to survivors.
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