NEWS
Abia Strengthens Fight Against GBV as Nchedo Centre Records Seven Fresh Cases, Supports Survivors
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and strengthening support systems for survivors, as the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre continues to make progress in responding to cases of sexual and gender-based violence across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, September 21, 2026, while briefing newsmen at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to the Commissioner, the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre recorded seven cases of gender-based violence and sexual and gender-based violence during the period under review.
The cases comprised six incidents of sexual violence and one case of domestic violence, highlighting the continuing need for accessible intervention, survivor support and stronger institutional responses to violence against women and children.
Prince Kanu disclosed that five of the survivors were minors between the ages of 10 and 14 years, while the remaining two were adult women aged between 25 and 40 years.
The reported incidents included alleged cases of defilement, rape and domestic violence involving a pregnant woman, further underscoring the vulnerability of women and children to different forms of abuse and the importance of timely medical, protective and legal intervention.
Beyond documenting the incidents, the Nchedo Centre provided medical and other support services to the affected survivors as part of its response mechanism.
One of the cases involved a 10-year-old survivor who sustained severe vaginal bleeding and required urgent medical intervention, including surgery. The intervention formed part of the centre’s efforts to ensure that survivors receive appropriate care and support following traumatic incidents.
The Commissioner further explained that the cases had been properly documented for necessary protection, investigation, referral and legal processes, indicating that the government’s response goes beyond immediate medical assistance to include mechanisms aimed at securing justice and protecting survivors.
The development also reflects the role of the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre as an important component of Abia’s response to gender-based violence, particularly through the coordination of medical care, survivor support, referrals and other interventions required in handling sensitive cases.
The Abia State Government, through the Information Commissioner, reiterated that perpetrators of gender-based violence would face the appropriate legal processes, while assuring survivors and the public of the administration’s determination to pursue justice.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice, no matter what it take
s,” Prince Kanu said.