Kaduna Reports 30% Spike in Gender-Based Violence Cases

• Kaduna State reported over 1,259 cases of Gender-Based Violence by November 2024, a 30% increase compared to the previous year
• The rise in GBV cases was discussed during a meeting of Women Muslim Preachers, emphasizing faith leaders’ role in addressing the issue

Kaduna State has seen a troubling rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with over 1,259 cases reported by November 2024.

According to data from the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services, this marks a 30% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, neighbouring Kano State recorded 244 cases in 2023, underscoring the regional scale of the issue.

Rising GBV cases were a major topic during a meeting of Women Muslim Preachers from Kaduna and Kano states, held in Kaduna as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

The event was organized by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in partnership with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith at Bayero University, Kano, with support from the Ford Foundation.

Dr. Taufiq Abubakar, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, stressed the role of Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) in addressing GBV through Islamic teachings. He highlighted the potential of faith leaders to influence attitudes and challenge harmful cultural practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

The MOLs project includes initiatives such as a Peer-to-Peer Study Tour to Egypt. Participants interacted with leading Islamic institutions like Al-Azhar and the Grand Mufti to learn how religious teachings can be integrated into GBV prevention strategies.

Project coordinator, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Ahmad, explained that the initiative equips Da’awah leaders with tools to challenge cultural norms and advocate for women’s rights.

The training emphasizes using Qur’anic verses and Hadith to promote household dialogue and protect women.

The meeting called for increased faith-based advocacy to tackle GBV and foster collaboration between MOLs and Da’awah leaders across northern Nigeria.

Participants also explored ways to incorporate Islamic principles into community outreach to create safer and more equitable societies.