KANO — The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kano State chapter, Salma Danbappa, has raised the alarm that Kano remains the only state yet to pass the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, warning that the delay is fuelling a surge in gender-based violence (GBV).

Danbappa spoke during a training organised by Amnesty International for lawyers on “Strengthening Legal Response to Gender-Based Violence and Survivor-Centred Practice.”

She lamented that for over a decade, stakeholders have pushed for the domestication of the law in Kano, with little progress, noting that the absence of the VAPP Act continues to weaken efforts to curb rising cases of abuse.

According to her, available statistics show an alarming prevalence of GBV in the state, with nearly 47.9 per cent of women affected.

“The figures are disturbing and point to a looming crisis. The prevalence is enormous and cuts across women, men and children. If urgent steps are not taken, Kano may witness a spike in serious crimes such as rape and related offences,” she said.

Danbappa explained that the outdated Penal Code, last reviewed in 2004, remains inadequate in addressing modern realities of GBV, adding that attempts have only been made to infuse limited provisions of the 2015 VAPP Act into the existing law.

She stressed that the passage of the VAPP Act in Kano must be prioritised to strengthen legal protection for victims and ensure effective prosecution of offenders.

Highlighting the vulnerability of minors, she disclosed that the median age of affected girls is about 16.9 years, while children and young persons face extremely high exposure to different forms of violence.

She further noted that men also experience various forms of violence, including defamation and verbal abuse, while children bear the heaviest burden, with reports indicating widespread exposure to violence at home, school and within communities.

Earlier, Programme Manager of Amnesty International, Barbara Magaji, said the training was designed to equip lawyers with the skills to prevent and respond effectively to GBV cases, particularly in Kano.

She emphasised the importance of timely reporting of cases, especially rape, within 72 hours to preserve critical evidence needed for prosecution.

Magaji noted that weak evidence remains a major challenge in securing convictions, stressing the need for proper documentation, medical reports, corroboration and the use of circumstantial evidence.

“We want lawyers and the public to understand that beyond legal representation, everyone has a role to play in reporting and responding to GBV cases. Without strong evidence, the courts are often constrained,” she said.

She also expressed concern over the rising cases of violence against children, including infants, warning that failure to address the trend could have long-term consequences on society.

“If justice is not served and perpetrators are not held accountable, it creates a dangerous cycle that could normalise violence and undermine societal values,” she added.