By Jamilu Abubakar
Gombe State Government, with support from UNICEF, has launched a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital to provide comprehensive medical, psychosocial and legal support to survivors of sexual violence.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, who represented the Deputy Governor at the event, said the initiative was driven by the state government’s concern over the rising cases of sexual assault, particularly among children.
Dr. Habu explained that the facility is designed as a one-stop centre offering medical treatment, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and legal referral services.
He added that the centre was deliberately located in a secluded part of the hospital to ensure privacy, protect survivors from stigma and preserve their dignity.
The Chief Medical Director of the Specialist Hospital, Dr. Sambo Dawa, revealed that the hospital recorded 645 cases of sexual assault between 2021 and 2025, with children aged 10 to 14 being the most affected, especially in rural areas.
He expressed optimism that the establishment of the SARC would improve access to care and reduce delays in response to cases.
On the legislative front, a member of the House Committee on Health, Musa Zambuk, said the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition and Child Protection laws reflects the state’s commitment to addressing sexual violence.
He called for full implementation of the laws to ensure offenders are prosecuted.
The UNICEF Bauchi Chief, Dr. Nuzrat Rafique, described the centre as a critical intervention stressing that prevention remains the ultimate goal.
She urged families, communities and institutions to strengthen collaboration to protect children and end sexual abuse.
Traditional leaders also pledged support, with the Wakilin Birnin Gombe, Alhaji Dalhatu Babayo Sambo, speaking on behalf of the Emir of Gombe, condemning all forms of violence and reaffirming the Emirate’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons.
The SARC is equipped with a sickbay, counselling unit, pharmacy, laboratory and security desk, as stakeholders called for sustained funding, public awareness and stronger inter-agency cooperation to curb sexual assault across Gombe State.
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