The Kebbi House of Assembly has passed into law the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2021.
Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media to governor Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the law was passed by the state legislators on Wednesday, September 30, 2021.
NAN reports that the VAPP law safeguards women, girls, the vulnerable and minority groups against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
According to Sarki, another key feature of the law is to promote gender equality, enhance social inclusion and participation and strengthen social justice for all.
Sarki said: “With the promulgation of the law, the good people of Kebbi State will be protected against all forms of violence, including physical, social, emotional, psychological and sexual violence.
`The VAPP Act also provides maximum protection and remedies for victims and punishment for offenders.
“The bill saw the light of the day because of the consistent and valuable efforts of His Excellency, the Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and his wife, Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, a strong advocate for the girl child and the vulnerable.”
The bill, which emanated from the executive, was transmitted to the House in January 2021.
The governor’s wife, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, mobilised Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across the state to relentlessly campaign for its passage into law.