Jamilu Abubakar
Concerns over increasing violations against children in parts of Northeast Nigeria have taken centre stage, with stakeholders calling for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard every child’s right to safety and dignity.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ roundtable held in Gombe, where journalists, social welfare workers, security agencies, legal practitioners, and traditional rulers from Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe States convened to strengthen efforts toward protecting children from abuse and neglect.
Participants at the meeting stressed the need for zero tolerance for sexual violence against children, describing it as a grave violation that must be addressed collectively through stronger institutional systems and active community engagement.
They highlighted the persistent culture of silence and stigma that often prevents survivors from speaking out, noting that timely reporting and access to coordinated support services are essential for ensuring justice and recovery.
The forum also underscored the importance of strengthening referral pathways to enable survivors to quickly access medical, psychosocial, legal, and protection services. Emphasis was placed on integrated support mechanisms such as One Stop Centres, which provide comprehensive care for survivors.
Stakeholders further called for the establishment of a child-centred justice system that is swift, sensitive, and fair, ensuring that the rights and dignity of children are protected throughout legal processes.
The role of the media was also brought into focus, with journalists urged to adopt ethical reporting practices that protect the identities of survivors while raising awareness capable of driving social change and accountability.
In addition, community, traditional, and religious leaders were identified as critical actors in preventing abuse, encouraging reporting, and shaping societal attitudes that promote child protection at the grassroots level.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to sustained investment in prevention strategies, including education, public awareness campaigns, and community-driven initiatives aimed at creating safer environments where every child can grow and thrive free from violence.