RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice has announced plans to commence a statewide awareness campaign in June as part of efforts to intensify the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and strengthen the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law across the state.
The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry’s Gender-Based Violence Management Committee and the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department, was unveiled on Monday during a media briefing attended by journalists, civil society organisations, and development partners ahead of the 2026 Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month.
Speaking at the briefing, the Director of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit and Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Barr. Emem Ette, said the campaign would formally kick off activities marking the annual awareness month.
She explained that June holds special significance in the state’s efforts to combat GBV, as it marks the anniversary of the enactment of the Akwa Ibom State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, signed into law in June 2020.
Barr. Ette described the legislation as a landmark legal framework that has strengthened the protection of survivors and enhanced the prosecution of offenders.
She commended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, for his commitment to advancing policies and legal mechanisms aimed at safeguarding victims and ensuring access to justice.
The director also acknowledged the contributions of more than 50 non-governmental organisations partnering with the ministry in community sensitisation, advocacy, and survivor support programmes.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Udom said the theme for this year’s campaign, “Implementing the AKS VAPP Law: From Awareness to Action,” reflects the government’s resolve to move beyond public enlightenment and focus on effective enforcement of the law.
According to him, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed a significant increase in reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence over the last six years. He noted, however, that the rise in reported incidents is largely attributable to increased public trust in the justice system rather than a surge in violent crimes.
“For decades, these crimes hid in silence because of stigma and fear. Today, survivors are speaking out because they believe the system will listen and deliver justice,” he said.
The Attorney General expressed concern over cultural and societal pressures that often compel survivors and their families to withdraw cases in favour of informal settlements.
He condemned attempts to resolve serious cases of domestic violence and abuse through monetary compensation or private agreements, insisting that justice must take its course.
Udom also raised concerns about the granting of bail to suspects in serious GBV cases, warning that some accused persons return to intimidate survivors and witnesses.
He called on judicial officers to exercise greater caution when considering bail applications in severe gender-based violence cases.
Highlighting progress made since the enactment of the VAPP Law in 2020, the Attorney General disclosed that the state has recorded more than 2,000 reported cases of gender-based violence and secured over 100 convictions.
He further revealed that the Ministry of Justice has implemented several interventions to strengthen support for survivors, including the establishment of a dedicated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department, the creation of shelters and skill acquisition centres, and the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres in strategic locations across the state.
