Women in Katsina State have condemned the alleged brutal and inhumane treatment of a young woman by individuals said to be affiliated with the religious police group, Hisbah Board, in the state.

The condemnation followed a video testimony of the assaulted lady, which has been widely circulated on social media.

She was said to have been beaten to a pulp on Tuesday, March 15, at the headquarters of the Hisbah board in the state capital.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’Adua, described the alleged assault as gender-based violence (GBV).

“The Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs has received with deep concern and sorrow a disturbing report circulating on social media, which includes video testimony of a woman alleging brutal and inhumane treatment at the hands of individuals purportedly affiliated with the Hisbah Board,” Yar’Adua said.

“As a Ministry entrusted with the protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of women and girls in Katsina State, we categorically condemn all forms of violence against women, especially those perpetrated under the guise of morality or authority.

“No woman-or indeed any human being-deserves to be subjected to the level of brutality alleged in this incident. This is

a clear case of gender-based violence (GBV), and as such, it must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

“We are actively investigating this matter and will gather a detailed report. Once the investigation is complete, we will forward our findings to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

“The Ministry stands ready to offer legal, psychosocial, and medical support to the victim and any others affected. Gender-based violence has no place in our society, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to a safe and just Katsina for all women and girls.”

Chairperson of the Katsina State of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hannatu Mohammed, described that assault as “a clear violation of the rights and dignity of the victim,” even as it demanded “justice for the traumatized lady.

“This kind of violence against women is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in any decent society like ours.

“We are calling on the government to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“As advocates for gender equality and the rights of everyone in society, we stand in solidarity with the victim and all those who in one way or the other have been victims of such violence to demand justice.

“We urge relevant government agencies to take swift action to address this issue and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book and that the victims, especially the recently brutalised lady, receive the support and protection they need.

“We therefore call on the Katsina State government to strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence and to promote a culture of respect and equality for all members of society.”