Adamawa Police Begin Training Gender Desk Officers to Strengthen Fight Against GBV

YOLA —‎‎By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola‎‎The Adamawa State Police Command, in partnership with the state Ministry of Justice, has commenced a specialised training programme for police officers handling gender-based violence (GBV) cases.‎‎The three-day training, which began on Tuesday in Yola, brings together GBV desk officers drawn from 54 divisional headquarters across the state.‎‎Declaring the workshop open, Commissioner of Police Morris Dankombo—represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), Danjuma Sandare—commended the state government for its continued support. He noted that the initiative would significantly enhance the capacity of officers to manage GBV cases with professionalism and sensitivity.‎‎Adamawa State Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahaman, represented by Deputy Chief Registrar David John, applauded the police command for organising the training. She assured participants of the judiciary’s full support in ensuring its success.‎‎State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Grace Mamza, described the exercise as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to curb GBV. She encouraged participants to engage actively and ask questions to improve their understanding.‎‎A GBV associate with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Rebecca Akpor, urged officers to view the training as an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and develop solutions to challenges faced by women and girls. She reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting global efforts to eliminate GBV.‎‎Ms Akpor also commended the Adamawa Police Command for surpassing many states in the number of women assigned to run GBV desks, calling it a positive step toward improving survivor-centred responses.‎‎‎