CWIDI Urges Benue to Fund Fight Against Gender Violence

The Concerned Women International Development Initiative (CWIDI) has called on the Benue State Government to increase funding for the Benue State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (BenSACR) in order to strengthen its response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), particularly against Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).

The call was made in a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi by Mrs. Bridget Okeke, CWIDI’s Director of Programmes.

She emphasized that BenSACR plays a critical role in providing life-saving medical care, forensic examinations, psychosocial counselling, and legal referrals to survivors of sexual violence across the state.

Describing the centre as a lifeline for survivors, Mrs. Okeke lamented that limited operational funding has continued to hamper its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality, 24-hour services.

She expressed concern over the rising number of SGBV cases in Benue, especially among young women and girls in rural and conflict-affected communities, noting that many survivors are unable to access timely and comprehensive support.

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Mrs. Okeke reiterated the group’s call for the state government to prioritise funding for the centre to ensure that no survivor is left without help, hope, or justice.

She urged the Ministries of Health; Women Affairs and Social Development; Finance; and Economic Planning to allocate dedicated budgetary resources for the full operationalisation and sustainability of BenSACR.

Additionally, she proposed stronger multi-sectoral coordination between BenSACR, the police, Ministry of Justice, FIDA, and community-based organisations to improve referrals, data sharing, and survivor follow-up. She also suggested expanding BenSACR’s reach to underserved local government areas through outreach and integration with primary healthcare facilities.

Mrs. Okeke highlighted that strengthening BenSACR aligns with the Benue State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and the State Gender Policy, both of which mandate survivor-centred response and access to justice. She noted that increased funding would boost public trust and reduce reliance on donor support.

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She concluded by advocating for sustained state funding and improved coordination to enable BenSACR to operate round the clock, offering enhanced, survivor-focused care to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.