By Luther Odeh
KADUNA – In an unprecedented show of unity, Kaduna’s most influential voices – from mosque minarets to government houses – joined forces Saturday to declare total war against gender-based violence and child marriage across the state.
The historic signing ceremony at the Centre for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV) saw an extraordinary alliance of clerics, policymakers, and activists putting pen to paper on what many are calling “Kaduna’s Freedom Charter” for women and girls.
“This isn’t another document gathering dust in government archives,” declared Professor Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf, CERSDOV’s Executive Director, her voice ringing through the packed hall. “Today marks the day Kaduna says ‘enough’ to every form of gender oppression.”
The declaration comes armed with teeth – state prosecutors immediately announced a new era of zero tolerance. “We’re done with slaps on wrists for rapists and child bride traffickers,” warned Barrister Sarah Peters of the State Ministry of Justice, revealing plans for special GBV courts and rapid response legal teams.
Religious leaders delivered perhaps the most surprising show of force. Reverend Ma’aji Caleb of CAN and JNI’s Ibrahim Issa Kufena stood shoulder-to-shoulder, quoting scripture and hadith to dismantle cultural excuses for abuse.
“Any man hiding behind God to justify violence is serving the devil,” Reverend Caleb thundered, while Kufena warned imams across 23 LGAs to preach against GBV or face sanctions from the Islamic council.
The state government unveiled accompanying measures including:
- 24-hour GBV hotlines with ambulance services
- Safe houses in each senatorial district
- Mandatory GBV education in all NYSC camps
- Special police units trained in survivor-centered investigations
As night fell on Rigachikun, the glow from the signing ceremony seemed to promise a new dawn for Kaduna’s women and girls – one where the law, the mosque and the church all stand guard against gender violence.
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