Speak Out, Save Lives: Bauchi Police Urge Residents to Break Silence on Abuse Against Women

Speak Out, Save Lives: Bauchi Police Urge Residents to Break Silence on Abuse Against Women

The Bauchi State Police Command has called on residents to speak out boldly against all forms of violence and abuse targeting women and children, stressing that silence only fuels the growing menace of gender-based violence (GBV).

The Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Sani-Omolori, made the appeal on Tuesday during a two-day training on child safeguarding for school teachers and counsellors in Bauchi. The programme was organised by the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence (BSACGBV).

Speaking through CSP Mohammed Barau of the Police Operations Department, Sani-Omolori said breaking the long-standing culture of silence remained the strongest weapon in combating GBV.

He said, “We must speak out against GBV. It’s our most powerful tool.”

He urged teachers, parents, and students to raise their voices whenever abuse is suspected, warning that silence only shields perpetrators while exposing victims to deeper harm.

The wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, echoed the same message, noting that silence continued to embolden abusers and put vulnerable groups—especially women and children—at greater risk. She was represented by Aisha Baba-Tela.

Mohammed emphasised that protecting children requires collective vigilance and the courage to report wrongdoing without fear. She noted that the training would encourage survivors, teachers, and schools to act swiftly to safeguard minors.

She highlighted the importance of having Child Safeguarding Officers in schools, saying they would serve as trusted figures for children to confide in, knowing they would be believed and protected.

“Prevention begins when people refuse to stay silent. When children feel heard and protected, they grow with confidence and reach their full potential,” she said.

Also speaking, Ladi Hamma, Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), said promoting a culture of speaking out against abuse was crucial to empowering girls and securing their educational journey.

She commended the Bauchi State Government and development partners for their continuous efforts in strengthening child protection systems across the state.