RismadarVoice Reporters, June 28, 2026
Akwa Ibom State has secured eight convictions in gender-based violence cases in June as part of efforts to strengthen justice for survivors and combat violence against women and other vulnerable persons.
Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, disclosed this during a thanksgiving service marking the end of the 2026 Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Uyo.
Lady Obareki said the convictions comprised five rape cases, two cases of physical abuse and one attempted murder case, describing the development as evidence of the state government’s zero-tolerance policy against gender-based violence.
She noted that the attempted murder conviction was particularly significant, as it was the first GBV-related case recorded during the tenure of the late First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. According to her, the conviction demonstrates that the foundation laid by the former First Lady in protecting vulnerable persons continues to yield positive results.
The GBV Committee Chairperson said the convictions send a strong message that perpetrators of violence will be held accountable while giving hope to survivors with pending cases that justice remains attainable.
Lady Obareki said the administration of Governor Umo Eno has strengthened legal frameworks, expanded medical and psychosocial support services for survivors, improved reporting mechanisms and enhanced collaboration among security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure prompt access to justice.
She also highlighted the role of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, in supporting survivors through vocational training, business grants, sewing machines and start-up kits in partnership with organisations, including the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA.
Lady Obareki called on religious bodies, traditional institutions, community leaders, government agencies and non-governmental organisations to continue creating safe spaces for victims to report abuse without fear while encouraging young people to become advocates against gender-based violence.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Barrister Emem Ette, appreciated stakeholders, particularly more than fifty non-governmental organisations, for supporting the month-long awareness campaign across the state.
She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and encouraged residents to speak out against abuse, report cases promptly and support survivors.
