Absence of data fueling gender-based violence in Kogi

A non-governmental organisation, The Technical Working Group, (TWG) has lamented the absence of available data on the people that have suffered sexual and gender-based violence in Kogi State.

The Chairperson, TWG, Mrs Modupe Stella-Maris Andi made this known on Tuesday at a meeting in Lokoja.

Andi, while noting that a lot of people have suffered from this societal menace, said there was no available data to back it up for documentation.

Andi, who doubles as the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, explained that when there is available data, it will enable Kogi State to know their place in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

In her address, the President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, (MWAN) Kogi State Chapter, Ibiyeye Taiye opined that data collation is always an issue due to paucity of funds.

She suggested the employment of a research assistance to reduce the burden of data collection and input.

According to her, adding data collection to one’s work load takes a lot of commitment to achieve a desirable result.

On his part, the Chairperson, Kogi Non-Governmental Organization Network, (KONGONET) Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina drew the attention of the group to the number of people with disabilities who are suffering from sexual and gender-based violence in the State.

He recalled what happened in the Central part of Kogi State where a suspect allegedly killed his wife who had disabilities.

“People with disabilities are suffering a lot. The incident that happened recently in Kogi Central is one out of many. It is important for us to put our heads together to reduce this negative trend,” he stated.