The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Niger State Branch, has urged the Niger State Police Command to fully implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to effectively combat violence against individuals in the state.

FIDA Chairperson, Mrs. Bolanle Jibogun, made this appeal during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, at the State Police Headquarters in Minna.

During the meeting, Mrs. Jibogun emphasized the importance of prosecuting gender-based violence (GBV) cases under the VAPP Law, which has been domesticated in Niger State. She noted that the existing Penal Code does not adequately address these issues.

"Sensitisation and awareness against GBV are priorities for FIDA," she stated. "We are advocating for greater use of the VAPP Act to tackle the menace of GBV, as the Penal Code does not adequately address these issues."

The FIDA Chairperson highlighted several common but often overlooked offenses under the law, including sending a wife away from her matrimonial home, physical abuse, and withdrawing children from school.

Mrs. Jibogun also called for the organization of training and sensitization programs for police officers on the provisions of the VAPP Law. She emphasized that the legislation offers protection not only to women and children but to all persons regardless of gender.

In response, Commissioner of Police Elleman assured FIDA of the command's commitment to enforcing the VAPP Law. He directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the state to prosecute applicable cases under the VAPP Law rather than the Penal Code where appropriate.

The Commissioner commended FIDA's role in combating gender-based violence and acknowledged the effectiveness of the VAPP Law in enhancing legal outcomes in such cases.

The VAPP Act, which has been domesticated in several Nigerian states including Niger State, provides comprehensive legal protection against various forms of violence and discrimination, with stronger penalties than previous legislation.