By Ibrahim Ibrahim
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on members of the public to remain alert and promptly report all cases of gender-based violence (GBV) to relevant authorities to ensure swift action.
The call was made by Sani Sa’idu Muhammad, Project Officer of the CITAD Male Feminist Network, a project supported by the Ford Foundation through the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), during a Public Enlightenment Forum held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Muhammad said the forum was organised to raise awareness about the dangers of gender-based violence and to engage the public on practical ways of addressing the growing menace.
According to him, CITAD has observed a worrying rise in GBV cases in the state, including rape, modern slavery, and human trafficking, which informed the organisation’s decision to intensify public advocacy and community engagement.
He stressed that tackling gender-based violence requires collective action, noting that silence and failure to report cases only embolden perpetrators.
“GBV cases should not be concealed. Hiding such incidents gives offenders the opportunity to continue committing these acts without consequence,” he said.
Muhammad added that effective reporting to security agencies and civil society organisations working on GBV could significantly reduce the prevalence of such cases.
He also disclosed that members of the public can report incidents through a specially developed digital platform known as Reportrix, designed to facilitate timely intervention and appropriate response.
