By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mrs. Nkechi Ugwuanyi, has lamented the high rate of women and girls abuse in the state, saying that 400 cases were recorded between January and November this year.

Speaking at an event to commemorate 16 days of activism on the elimination of violence against women and girls, she said that some of the cases were recorded during visits to detention facilities while many others were formerly launched in her office.

While assuring that the Commission will work hard to reduce future occurrence in the state, Ugwuanyi added: “It bleeds my heart that we have human beings whose delight is to see that women and girls are treated violently and their inalienable rights abused with impunity.

“From January to November this year, we have recorded over 400 cases of violence against women and girls across Anambra State. Complaints came via phone calls.

“We recorded some during visits to detention facilities while several complaints were officially launched in our office. That tells you how worrisome the matter is.”

On his part, the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ihiala Chapter, Mr. Vitalis Ihedigbo, said the bar was ready to play its expected roles towards eradicating violence against women and girls

He described professional and thorough investigations by the Police as a strong basis for getting justice for victims of violence.

The NBA chairman cited his local government, Ihiala as the most prone area in the state for sexual abuse.

Ihedigbo revealed that “from the data supplied by the Police to RoLAC, my own local government area, Ihiala, has the highest number of sexual-related crime. I was shocked. And not only Ihiala, Anambra State also ranked among the highest in the country.

“This is a very disturbing statistics for us as a bar. To this end, we are happy to partner with the National Human Rights Commission on these 16 days of activism.”