This information was disclosed by Labaran Babangida, the coordinator of the commission in Yobe State, during a press briefing held in Damaturu, the state capital. The briefing was part of the events marking the 2023 International Human Rights Day and the 16 Days Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Babangida revealed that the majority of the cases involved instances of rape, domestic violence between spouses, misunderstandings, and instances where husbands failed to fulfil their financial responsibilities.
He stated, “We have a backlog of 260 complaints, but more than 200 of these complaints centred on the aspect of violations of women and girls rights”.
Regarding the issue of conviction, Babangida pointed out that the primary responsibility for prosecution and conviction lies with the government. He highlighted the need to address certain gaps to ensure proper convictions.
He explained, “For instance, judiciary is the large benchmark where litigations always take place and there are gaps that are existing in it as such government should cover those gap to ensure that justice is done”.
These revelations underscore the pressing need for concerted efforts to address human rights abuses and ensure justice for victims in Yobe State.