Daji Sani in Yola reported on a roundtable in Gombe State where child protection experts and media stakeholders demanded zero tolerance for sexual violence against children. The session, focused on strengthening child rights and response systems, highlighted persistent underreporting due to stigma, which allows perpetrators to evade accountability. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF's Bauchi Field Office, stressed that delayed reporting diminishes the likelihood of securing medical evidence, accessing care, and delivering justice. She called for immediate activation of coordinated response systems and stronger referral pathways among health workers, police, social welfare officers, and legal actors to prevent re-traumatization. Rafique emphasized the need for a child-centred justice system that is swift, sensitive and fair, urging courts and law enforcement to avoid hostile questioning. She also advised the media to safeguard survivors' privacy while amplifying awareness, recommending headlines centre on child rights. Ladi Alabi, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, identified community, traditional and religious leaders as key to prevention, noting their influence in challenging harmful norms and supporting survivors. Alabi advocated sustained investment in education and community engagement, urging schools, faith groups and local associations to teach children about their rights and how to seek help.
UNICEF officials demand swift justice systems for child survivors while acknowledging that current response mechanisms fail to prevent re-traumatization through disjointed referrals. Gombe State children already facing abuse must now navigate a system where health, police and social services do not reliably coordinate. If agencies continue operating in silos, even timely reporting will not lead to justice or healing. The roundtable's call for unity rings hollow without a named plan to enforce inter-agency cooperation.
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