Police, FIDA strengthen partnership to protect women, children
The Nigeria Police Force and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Edo Branch, have agreed to strengthen cooperation on protecting women and children from gender-based violence, domestic abuse and other forms of exploitation.
The commitment was made on Tuesday in Benin City when the FIDA delegation, led by its Edo Chairperson, Princess Francisca Elema, paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Monday Agbonika.
*Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Monday Agbonika, with the FIDA Edo Chairperson, Princess Francisca Elema, during the visit.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Nigeria Police Force and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Edo Branch, have agreed to strengthen cooperation on protecting women and children from gender-based violence, domestic abuse and other forms of exploitation.
The commitment was made on Tuesday in Benin City when the FIDA delegation, led by its Edo Chairperson, Princess Francisca Elema, paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Monday Agbonika.
Agbonika assured the delegation that the Zone 5 Headquarters would support lawful initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and children and improving access to justice for vulnerable people.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Zone 5 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh.
The AIG commended FIDA for its sustained advocacy for women and children, particularly its work in promoting access to justice and protecting vulnerable members of society.
“We assure you that the Zone 5 Headquarters will continue to support lawful initiatives aimed at protecting the fundamental rights of women and children.
“We will also ensure that complaints involving gender-based violence, domestic violence and other forms of abuse receive appropriate attention and professional handling by the Police,” Agbonika said.
He urged victims and members of the public to have confidence in law enforcement agencies and report cases of abuse promptly to the nearest police station.
Earlier, Elema congratulated Agbonika on his promotion and redeployment as the AIG in charge of Zone 5, explaining that FIDA’s visit was intended to strengthen its working relationship with the Police.
She said the organisation was committed to protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of women and children, particularly in areas involving access to justice, gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual and child abuse.
Elema acknowledged the Police’s role in protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order, adding that FIDA was interested in developing closer cooperation with the zone’s gender and legal offices.
She said the organisation was ready to work with the Police and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting women and children and improve responses to cases of abuse.
The two organisations identified legal assistance, public enlightenment, capacity building and better communication as areas for collaboration.
They expressed optimism that stronger cooperation would improve the protection of women and children, facilitate access to justice and strengthen institutional responses to abuse in Edo State and beyond.
