The Rivers State Response Team on Violence Against Women and Children has urged parents and guardians to exercise caution in entrusting their children and wards to individuals who promise better opportunities in urban areas, warning that such arrangements often lead to abuse and trafficking.
The team called on religious leaders to guide their congregants and actively participate in campaigns against gender-based violence in the state.
Speaking during a child dedication and thanksgiving service hosted by Hon. Batom Sunday, Councillor representing Kegbara Dere Ward 6 in the Gokana Legislative Assembly, at Apostolic Church 1, Kegbara Dere Area, Tombari Dumka-Kote, Coordinator of the Rivers State Response Team and Chairman of Rivers Indigenous NGOs & Civil Society Network (RINGOCS), emphasized that children are divine gifts and should be protected from violence and abuse.
Dumka-Kote highlighted the recent arrest of a man in Port Harcourt who poured hot water on his maid, assuring the congregation that justice would be served.
“As a team, we remain committed to sensitizing people on the need to shun violence in all forms, regardless of who is involved,” he stated. “Perpetrators will face the law to deter others from engaging in such acts.”
The announcement coincided with the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25 to December 10, 2025. This year’s theme is *“Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Dumka-Kote called on the church to encourage members to participate in scheduled sensitization programs, emphasizing the Gokana Local Government Council’s commitment to supporting activities aimed at eradicating sexual and gender-based violence.
The Rivers State Response Team reaffirmed its dedication to advocacy and enforcement, pledging to work tirelessly to ensure safer communities for women and children.
