By Deborah Coker
The Zone 5 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF ) will continue to support lawful initiatives aimed at protecting the fundamental rights of women and children.
The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of the zone, Monday Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday in Benin, when the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Edo branch paid him a courtesy visit.
This is contained in a statement by the zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), SP Tijani Momoh and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Wednesday.
Agbonika while expressing delight at the visit by group, commended the organisation for its long-standing advocacy for women and children as well as its contribution to access to justice and the protection of vulnerable members of the society.
“We are not unaware of your long-standing advocacy for women and children and your contribution to access to justice and protection for the vulnerables.
“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 will receive appropriate attention and professional handling by the police,” he said.
The AIG however emphasised the need for victims and members of the public to have confidence in law enforcement agencies.
He also underscored the importance of early reporting of such cases at the nearest police division.
Earlier the FIDA delegation led by the Chairperson, Princess Francisca Elema, congratulated the AIG on his promotion and redeployment as the AIG zone 5.
Elema said that the visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with the NPF in promoting the rights, welfare and protection of women and children.
She explained that the organisation was dedicated to the protection, promotion and preservation of the rights, welfare and interests of women and children, particularly in relation to access to justice, protection from gender-based violence and other forms of abuse.
She acknowledged the significant role of the police in protecting lives and property as well as maintaining law and order.
she also said that her visit was aimed at having a working relationship with the gender and legal office of the zone.
She further reiterated the commitment of FIDA to partnering with the police and other relevant stakeholders to address challenges affecting women and children, particularly gender-based violence, domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to explore areas of mutual cooperation, including legal assistance, public enlightenment, capacity building and improved communication.
The visit ended with both parties expressing optimism that the partnership would contribute significantly to the protection of women and children and the advancement of justice in the state and beyond.
(NAN)