Benue Justice Ministry Opens Reporting Desks in IDP Camps Over Sexual Abuse

Benue Justice Ministry Opens Reporting Desks in IDP Camps Over Sexual Abuse

The Benue State Ministry of Justice has introduced dedicated reporting desks in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state to make it easier for victims of rape, sexual abuse and other offences to seek legal redress.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yangien Ornguga, made this known on Monday while hosting members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, at the ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi.

Ornguga explained that the measure was prompted by recurring reports of sexual violence and other criminal activities in displacement camps.

He said the reporting points were designed to remove some of the obstacles victims face when attempting to report abuses, particularly those who may find it difficult to travel to government offices or other formal justice institutions.

Digital platform launched

The commissioner also announced the launch of a ministry website aimed at making access to justice more convenient for residents.

He said members of the public would be able to use the platform to initiate reports on criminal matters, including cases involving rape and gender-based violence, without necessarily having to visit a court or the ministry in person.

The platform, he added, would also serve legal practitioners by providing access to relevant legal resources and materials needed in the course of their work.

Ornguga said the ministry was equally working with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to strengthen the prosecution of human trafficking cases, with the objective of securing convictions and discouraging the practice.

Laws undergoing review

The Attorney-General disclosed that the ministry had intensified professional development for lawyers under his leadership, while also undertaking a review of laws considered outdated.

He said the exercise was intended to bring Benue's legal framework in line with contemporary social and institutional realities.

According to him, the Education Law, Child Rights Law and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law are among the legislations that have already undergone review, while other laws are expected to be considered in due course.