Edo Women Affairs Commissioner Calls for Stronger Police Collaboration to Combat Sexual Violence

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the Edo State Police Command to tackle sexual violence, defilement of minors and other forms of abuse against women and children in the state.

Abdallah made the call when she led the Permanent Secretary and management staff of the Ministry on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Patrick Daaor, in his office.

The Commissioner said the visit was also to appreciate CP Daaor for his dedication and commitment to maintaining peace and security in Edo State since assuming office a few weeks ago.

She commended the Police Commissioner for his strategic approach to policing, noting that his meticulous handling of security matters had contributed to sustaining peace in the state, particularly in challenging situations.

Abdallah stressed that the Ministry has a critical responsibility to promote the welfare, protection and development of women and children, making a strong partnership with the Police Command essential in addressing gender-based violence, sexual abuse and other forms of vulnerability.

She therefore solicited a cordial and sustained working relationship between both institutions, assuring the Police Commissioner of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Command to strengthen the protection and wellbeing of women and children across Edo State.

Responding, CP Patrick Daaor thanked the Commissioner and her management team for the visit and expressed the Command’s readiness to partner with the Ministry. He expressed concern over the increasing cases of sexual harassment and defilement of minors, describing the trend as a serious threat to the wellbeing of society.

Daaor assured that the Police Command would work with the Ministry to curb the menace, stressing that the health and wellbeing of society depend largely on the safety and welfare of its people, particularly vulnerable women and children.

The Police Commissioner urged members of the public to promptly report cases of sexual abuse, harassment and defilement to the Police, assuring that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to strengthening inter-agency collaboration for the protection of women and children and the promotion of a safer Edo State.