United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Child Protection Specialist, Victor Atuchukwu, has raised concerns that some Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp officials were using their positions to take advantage of vulnerable girls and women dislocated by conflicts.

He disclosed this during a meeting convened by the JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF, to map out modalities for the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) as well as Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in Makurdi over the weekend.

Atuchukwu explained that GBV targets individuals because of their gender, while sexual exploitation involves abusing positions of power or trust for sexual or financial gain.

Executive Director of JASPI, Mrs. Patricia Suswam, noted that there was a growing concern over rising cases of GBV in displaced persons’ camps across the state.

She said her organization partnered with UNICEF to strengthen coordination among ministries and agencies in addressing the menace in Benue.

Suswam emphasized that the focus was to protect IDP communities and ensure that the government takes stronger action to tackle the menace head-on.

Officer-in-Charge of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Centre at the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Hafsat Ayavga, also cautioned visitors to IDP camps against flamboyant dressing, noting that it reinforces social divides among the vulnerable people.

According to her, visitors must approach IDP camps with empathy and humility, treating them as equals rather than as charity cases.

“Treat them as the same humans. No discrimination. Avoid stereotypes. Do not shout when they bring issues to you,” she advised.

Also, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Ministry of Justice, Maureen Igyor, disclosed that given the seriousness the government attaches to the problem, once a case of sexual violence reaches the ministry, it cannot be withdrawn again, even if complainants or witnesses lose interest. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)