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BREAKING THE SILENCE: HOW AWARENESS AND JUSTICE ARE REDUCING SGBV CASES IN YOLA
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- Repoter 11
- 23 Jan, 2026
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By
John Edom
As more survivors find the courage to speak out and communities begin to confront long-held silence, cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, are showing a gradual decline in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.
Stakeholders attribute this improvement to sustained public awareness campaigns, strengthened reporting mechanisms, and growing trust in institutions responsible for protection and justice.
In this special report , findings at the Ministry of Women Affairs Clinic in Yola reveal a notable shift in survivor behaviour. Health workers say more survivors are now reporting early for medical attention, allowing timely treatment, counselling, and psychosocial support.
A medical doctor at the clinic, Dr. Michael Paninga, described the development as encouraging, noting that early presentation has significantly improved the quality of care provided to survivors.
According to him, “When survivors come early, we are able to provide proper medical treatment, counselling, and necessary referrals. This is a positive change from what we used to experience.”
At the Adamawa State Police Command Headquarters in Yola, officers at the Gender Desk also confirm increased cooperation from families and traditional leaders. This, they say, has reduced the withdrawal of cases and strengthened prosecution processes.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sulaiman Yahya Nguroje, said families are increasingly standing by survivors throughout the legal process, a development that has boosted confidence in law enforcement efforts.
Legal practitioners also believe access to justice is improving as survivors become more aware of their rights. Barrister Ruth Bah Ngwason, Principal Partner at Israel Solicitors and Secretary of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Adamawa State chapter, said the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Law offers clear legal protection for survivors.
“When survivors understand that the law is on their side, they are more willing to pursue justice. The VAPP Law is clear, and we are seeing better enforcement because communities are now cooperating,” she explained.
The SGBV Response Coordinator at the Adamawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Falda Wesley, said while cases are declining in urban areas such as Yola North and Yola South, incidents remain higher in some rural communities due to limited awareness.
She added that the ministry is gradually shifting focus from emergency response to survivor empowerment and long-term recovery.
“Every survivor who speaks up encourages others. This growing confidence is a strong signal that SGBV cases can be reduced when systems work together,” she stated.
Survivors themselves say the support they received gave them the strength to heal and rebuild their lives. One survivor, who requested anonymity, recounted how she endured domestic abuse, divorce, and separation from her four-year-old daughter, leaving her emotionally traumatised and fearful.
She said reporting the abuse opened doors to medical care, counselling, and legal support.
“I was afraid at first, but when I spoke up, I found help. Other survivors should know that they are not alone,” she said.
Traditional leaders also say they are reinforcing zero tolerance for abuse within their communities. A ward head in Rumde, Yola North Local Government Area, Umar Muhammad, said silence is no longer acceptable.
“As traditional leaders, we now encourage immediate reporting. Protecting survivors means protecting the future of our communities,” he said, citing cases where traditional authorities supported survivors to seek justice.
Stakeholders agree that sustained awareness, strict enforcement of the VAPP Law, and continuous survivor support remain critical to sustaining the downward trend in SGBV cases.
For residents of Yola North and Yola South, the message is clear: breaking the silence brings justice, healing, and hope.
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