The Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (BSACGBV) has expressed concern over cases involving parental neglect and abuse of children by some clerics in the state.
The committee disclosed this during a media chat held in Bauchi on Monday, where it revealed that 218 cases of gender-based violence had been recorded across the state between 2020 and 2025, with 34 offenders already convicted and jailed.
A member of the committee, Muhammad Haruna, said some of the cases handled involved parents abandoning their responsibilities, thereby exposing children to criminal activities and other social dangers.
“We have cases of parents abandoning their responsibilities and exposing children to danger and criminal activities. We also intervened in cases involving abuse of children by some Islamic teachers,” he said.
Haruna noted that the committee, in collaboration with the Police and the Ministry of Justice, had secured convictions in 34 cases, while several others remained before the courts.
He assured that the committee would intensify public sensitisation campaigns aimed at educating parents, guardians and religious leaders on child protection and responsible caregiving.
Chairperson of the committee and wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, said the committee was established to protect vulnerable persons, promote justice and provide support services to survivors of abuse and violence.
According to her, the reported cases include rape, domestic violence, child abuse, forced marriage, child exploitation, abandonment of parental responsibilities and family disputes.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender-Based Violence, Barrister Sha’awanatu Yusuf, disclosed that 94 of the 218 cases handled by the committee were rape-related.
She further revealed that the committee recorded 37 domestic violence cases, 51 family dispute cases, 19 forced marriage cases, 11 child abuse cases, five child exploitation cases and one abduction case.
Barrister Yusuf explained that some of the criminal cases were still pending before courts due to lengthy judicial procedures and ongoing investigations.
She added that the committee works closely with the Police, Ministry of Justice, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, as well as media organisations to address gender-based violence in the state.
The committee urged residents to report cases of abuse, violence and neglect for prompt intervention and legal action where necessary.
