“Don’t Keep Quiet”: JASPI urges communities to fight Online, offline abuse as 16 Days of Activism ends in Makurdi

“Don’t Keep Quiet”: JASPI urges communities to fight Online, offline abuse as 16 Days of Activism ends in Makurdi

By Benedicta Aboh

JASPI Health and Gender Development Initiative has concluded its 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a resounding call for communities to unite against the rising cases of online and offline abuse affecting women and girls, especially those living in displacement camps.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi, Programme Manager, Mr. Mathew Hemba, said the organisation carried out a range of activities across camps and host communities in Guma Local Government Area beginning November 25.

According to him, the campaign focused on sensitisation, community dialogue, and practical demonstrations on how to identify, prevent and respond to various forms of abuse.

“Over these 16 days, we held dialogue sessions with adolescent girls, women, men and caregivers in the International Market and Uikpam IDP camps,” Hemba said.

He noted that special attention was given to the increasing incidents of online abuse targeting girls and young women.

“We discussed different forms of abuse, especially online abuse, and how communities can work together to stop it,” he added.

Hemba further explained that young people at the camps used drama and dance to help adults understand the lived realities of abuse.

“Today, the adolescents are using drama and dance to demonstrate the realities of abuse in the camps so that adults can clearly understand what happens and how to handle it,” he stated.

He revealed that JASPI invited several partners—including health professionals, the Nigeria Police, and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital  to educate participants on the dangers and consequences of abuse.

Representing the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Enemari, the Gender Head of the Nigerian Police Force in the state, CSP Ann Ameh, underscored the need to prioritise children’s rights.

“Children have rights that must be protected,” she said firmly.

Ameh urged community members and survivors not to remain silent when violations occur.

“Do not keep quiet when abuse happens. Report quickly so that appropriate action can be taken,” she advised.

Also speaking, the SARC State Coordinator, Mrs. Ene Dirisu, encouraged parents and children to report cases of sexual assault without fear.

“Don’t be scared to report,” she told the children.

She stressed that SARC works closely with the police to ensure perpetrators face justice.

“Anybody who wants to touch your private part, say no. If someone has been doing that to you, tell your mummy to report to us so we can protect you and punish the perpetrator,” she warned.

The event featured drama sketches, cultural displays and traditional dance performances presented by children at the camp—activities organisers described as powerful tools for communicating the urgency of ending gender-based violence.