The Imo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to strictly enforce the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of 2021, targeting all forms of gender-based violence. This law provides a comprehensive framework for prosecuting crimes such as rape, child abuse, and sexual harassment.
According to the State Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma, the VAPP law will serve as the legal tool to guide the prosecution of these offenses. Danjuma emphasized the importance of equipping officers with the necessary knowledge to handle cases of gender-based violence effectively. This was echoed during a one-day training event held in Owerri, aimed at enhancing the capacity of police personnel.
At the event, Deputy Commissioner Fana Serajo Muhammed, who represented CP Danjuma, stressed the significance of the VAPP law in safeguarding the dignity and safety of the community. The training session targeted Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Gender Unit Officers within the state.
The event was organized in collaboration with the civil society group Alliances for Africa (AFA) and Co-Impact, focusing on helping the police force strengthen its approach to handling cases of gender-based violence.
Ms. Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director of AFA, emphasized that the VAPP law is broad enough to tackle all forms of violence, particularly against women and girls. Obibi highlighted the unique role of the police as the primary agency responsible for prosecuting gender-based violence cases under the VAPP law. She also underlined that the training aimed to build the capacity of officers to address and investigate these cases more thoroughly.
Obibi noted that the program would develop strategies for improving victim support and protection within the police force. She emphasized the importance of survivor-centered approaches, particularly in enhancing the mechanisms for reporting such cases.
The initiative underscores the Police Command’s dedication to upholding the law and ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable.
