By Peter Duru, Makurdi

JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative has rounded off its 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a strong call for communities to unite against both online and offline abuse facing women and girls in displacement camps and host communities.

Speaking during the closing ceremony held at the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi, Programme Manager, Mr. Mathew Hemba, said the organisation conducted a wide range of activities across IDP camps and communities in Guma Local Government Area starting from November 25.

According to him, the campaign focused on sensitisation, community dialogue and practical demonstrations on how to identify, prevent and respond to different forms of abuse.

“Over these 16 days, we held dialogue sessions with adolescent girls, women, men and caregivers in the International Market and Uikpam IDP camps,” Hemba stated.

He explained that the discussions paid special attention to the rising cases of online abuse directed at girls and young women.

“We discussed different forms of abuse, especially online abuse, and how communities can work together to stop it,” he said.

Hemba added that young people at the camps showcased drama and dance performances to help adults understand the realities of abuse.

“Today, the adolescents are using drama and dance to demonstrate the realities of abuse in the camps so that adults can clearly understand what happens and how to handle it,” he noted.

He revealed that JASPI also invited several partners, including health experts, the Nigeria Police and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital  to educate participants on the consequences of abuse.

Representing the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Enemari, the Gender Head of the Nigerian Police Force in the state, Chief Superintendent Ann Ameh, stressed the importance of protecting children’s rights.

“Children have rights that must be protected,” she said firmly.

Ameh urged community members and survivors to report violations immediately.
“Do not keep quiet when abuse happens. Report quickly so that appropriate action can be taken,” she advised.

Also speaking, SARC State Coordinator, Mrs. Ene Dirisu, encouraged residents  especially children and caregivers, to report cases of sexual assault without fear.

“Don’t be scared to report,” she told the children at the camp.

Dirisu emphasised that SARC works closely with the police to ensure perpetrators face justice. “Anybody who wants to touch your private part, say no. If someone has been doing that to you, tell your mummy to report to us so we can protect you and punish the perpetrator,” she said.

The event featured a series of cultural performances, including drama sketches and traditional dances presented by children from the camp.