Kaduna Assembly Passes Bill Prohibiting Violence Against Persons

The Kaduna State House of Assembly yesterday passed a bill to prohibit violence against persons, after it scaled the third reading on the floor of the house.
Deputy Speaker, Mr Nuhu Shadalafiya, who presided over the sitting in Kaduna, said the bill was aimed at providing maximum protection and remedies for victims of all forms of violence.
The passage is coming in the wake of recent increase in cases of violence against residents of the state, with over 400 cases recorded in the first quarter of this year.
When the bill receives assent of Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, it is expected to address physical, sexual, psychological, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices and discrimination against all categories of persons.
Part of the law provides two-year jail term or N200, 000 fine or both as punishments for offenders upon conviction by court of competent jurisdiction.
Executive Director of Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) commended the passage of the bill.
She said the legislation would help address social problems in respect of violence against persons in the state.
“It is over a year we have been pushing and when it’s getting to the end of the year we were afraid that it might not happen, we are very glad our struggle did not go in vain.
“The added value is the comprehensive nature of the bill; it covers so many things, not just physical violence but psychological violence, even harmful traditional practices.
She added that the NGO would soon begin fund raising to create awareness for the citizens of the state about provisions of the bill.