Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
The statistics are sobering and deeply troubling.
In just the first five months of 2026, Akwa Ibom State has recorded 161 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), according to data released by the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department of the Ministry of Justice.
The figures reveal a painful reality that continues to confront families and communities across the State.
Of the 161 cases recorded this year, 61 involve spousal battery, 46 relate to threats to life and physical assault, 18 concern abandonment and forceful ejection from homes, 10 involve harmful widowhood practices, while 26 are rape cases.
The statistics formed the backdrop for the flag-off of the 2026 Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month held in Uyo, under the theme, "Implementing the AKS VAPP Law: From Awareness to Action."
Beyond the figures for 2026, the cumulative data tells an even more compelling story. Between June and December 2020, the State recorded 69 cases. The figure rose to 141 in 2021, increased significantly to 316 in 2022, climbed further to 368 in 2023, peaked at 465 in 2024, and stood at 318 in 2025. Combined with the 161 cases already recorded this year, the total number of reported cases since the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in June 2020 has reached 1,838.
Out of these cases, 102 convictions have been secured.
While some may view the increasing number of reports as evidence of a worsening situation, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN) offered a different perspective, describing the spike as proof that victims are gradually finding the courage to speak up and seek justice.
Delivering an emotionally charged address at the event, the Attorney General said the State was not merely marking another awareness campaign but celebrating six years of sustained efforts to transform the fight against gender-based violence through the implementation of the VAPP Law.
He described the June 2020 passage of the law as one of the most courageous decisions ever taken by the state government in protecting vulnerable citizens.
"Today, we gather not merely to mark a date on the calendar, but to reaffirm a covenant between this government and every citizen, especially the most vulnerable," he said.
According to him, the 2026 theme reflects a deliberate shift from merely creating awareness to taking concrete actions capable of protecting survivors, prosecuting offenders and preventing future abuses.
Addressing concerns about the growing number of reported cases, the Attorney General insisted that the increase should be interpreted as a positive development in many respects.
For decades, he noted, countless victims suffered in silence, trapped by fear, stigma, economic dependence and the belief that reporting abuse would lead nowhere.
Today, however, survivors are increasingly coming forward because they have confidence that the state will listen, investigate their complaints and pursue justice on their behalf.
"The silence is breaking," he declared.
He explained that every report represents an individual who has overcome fear to seek help and every prosecution demonstrates a justice system gradually earning public trust.
The Attorney General, however, warned that despite the progress made, deep-rooted cultural beliefs continue to undermine efforts to eradicate violence against women and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking candidly, he described society as largely chauvinistic, with attitudes that still view women and girls as possessions rather than individuals with rights and dignity.
According to him, these harmful perceptions create an environment where abuse is normalized, excused or concealed.
He lamented the growing tendency of families and communities to pressure survivors into abandoning criminal cases in the name of reconciliation.
Without mincing words, he condemned the popular phrase, "the matter has been settled," insisting that violence cannot be erased by financial compensation or private agreements.
"When a child is defiled, when a woman is battered unconscious, when a victim's bones are broken, there is no settlement that restores dignity," he said.
The Attorney General maintained that justice cannot be traded for convenience and urged communities to reject practices that prioritize the reputation of offenders over the wellbeing of survivors.
One of the most emotional moments of his address came when he spoke about the difficulties faced by victims who are forced to encounter their alleged abusers shortly after arrests are made.
He expressed concern over situations where suspects accused of severe acts of violence secure bail and return to the same communities where survivors and witnesses reside.
According to him, such circumstances often create fear, intimidation and pressure that discourage victims from cooperating with investigators and prosecutors.
Calling for a more nuanced approach to bail applications in serious gender-based violence cases, he urged judicial officers to consider the safety of survivors and the likelihood of witness intimidation before granting bail.
While emphasizing the importance of fair hearing and due process, he argued that severe cases of domestic violence and abuse require special consideration because of their unique dynamics.
The Attorney General also highlighted several milestones recorded since the implementation of the VAPP Law.
Among them is the establishment of a dedicated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department within the Ministry of Justice.
The department, he explained, serves as a specialized institution responsible for coordinating prosecutions, supporting survivors and driving policy implementation across the state.
He further disclosed that shelters and skill acquisition centres have been established to provide temporary accommodation and economic empowerment opportunities for survivors.
These facilities offer counselling services, vocational training and pathways to financial independence, helping victims rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences.
The State has also established Sexual Assault Referral Centres in strategic locations to provide immediate medical care, forensic evidence collection and psychosocial support to survivors.
These centres operate as one-stop facilities where victims can access critical services without facing additional barriers.
Another major achievement highlighted during the event is the decentralization of gender-based violence response mechanisms.
Today, every local government area in Akwa Ibom State has a dedicated GBV unit, ensuring that support services are available closer to communities.
This development has significantly reduced the burden on victims who previously had to travel long distances to seek assistance.
The Attorney General further revealed that community health workers, social welfare officers and security personnel have been trained as paralegals to provide basic legal guidance and support to survivors.
Traditional rulers have also been trained on GBV response protocols, enabling them to play more effective roles in reporting and referring cases rather than encouraging harmful settlements.
According to him, these interventions demonstrate the state's commitment to moving beyond awareness campaigns to practical implementation.
He noted that each reported case and every conviction obtained since 2020 represents a life touched and a message that impunity will no longer be tolerated.
As the awareness month officially commenced, stakeholders were challenged to deepen their commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and strengthening community response systems.
The Attorney General called on the media to report responsibly, avoid sensationalism and protect the identities of survivors.
He urged service providers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through training programmes, while encouraging communities to support victims rather than stigmatize them.
Most importantly, he addressed survivors directly. In a message that resonated across the hall, he reminded them that they are not alone and that their voices matter.
"Your voice is not a burden; it is a weapon. And we are your army," he declared.
Earlier in her remarks, the Director, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Department, Barr. Emem Ette informed that the event marked the formal flag-off of activities for the month-long sensitization.
She thanked government officials, development partners traditionally rulers, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, women groups, youth organisations and the media for the sustained support since 2020, and appealed for more support.
As participants rose to inaugurate the 2026 Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month, there was a palpable sense of urgency and determination.
The event was more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a reminder that behind every statistic is a human story — a child robbed of innocence, a woman seeking safety, a family struggling to heal, and a survivor searching for justice.
Six years after the enactment of the VAPP Law, Akwa Ibom's journey from awareness to action continues. The road ahead may be challenging, but government officials insist that the fight will not stop until every survivor is heard, every offender is held accountable, and every citizen can live free from violence and fear.
