The Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Edema Irom, says the state has recorded about 800 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) between January and November, with only five convictions secured so far.

She disclosed this today during the question-and-answer session of a media briefing in Akamkpa, where UN Women launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Irom expressed concern that many perpetrators still walk free while survivors endure stigma, trauma and disrupted schooling. She said the ministry continues to see cases where young girls are unable to return to class after rape because of shame and lack of institutional support.

She noted that over 100 GBV-related cases are currently before the courts, though progress remains slow. According to her, limited logistics and poor funding often weaken investigations and delay justice.

The commissioner also highlighted GBV concerns in cocoa-producing communities and large plantations, where minors are used as cheap labour. She described such exploitation as “a form of gender-based violence that must be tackled.”

Irom identified motor parks as trafficking routes, warning that young girls are sometimes abused sexually for as little as N10,000. She urged NURTW officials to report suspicious movements to the Gender Desk or the police.

She raised fresh concerns over digital-related abuses, saying at least 15 incidents this year were linked to online luring and relationships.

The commissioner warned that many young people in secondary schools and universities fall into dangerous hands through online interactions.

Irom added that digital violence, including sextortion, image-based abuse and threats, has become a major concern, noting that humiliation from such exposure can destroy victims’ lives.

She called for stronger digital safety awareness among young people.

She listed funding as the ministry’s biggest challenge, saying lack of vehicles and inadequate resources make case management, arrest and follow-up difficult. She also advocated for a public offenders’ register to deter abusers.

Earlier in her formal remarks, the commissioner commended UN Women for supporting community guidelines against harmful cultural practices, including early marriage, widowhood rites and female disinheritance. She said the partnership has strengthened community-level protection.

Irom explained that Akamkpa was chosen for the briefing because the community recently drafted and implemented its own anti-GBV guidelines with UN Women’s support.

She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to stronger institutions, expanded advocacy and women’s economic empowerment.