Abia State processes more South Africa returnees, addresses gender-based violence cases
The Abia State Government is processing an additional group of returnees from South Africa, according to Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu. He stated that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection is coordinating the protection, repatriation, and reintegration of Abians affected by xenophobic violence. The ministry is also in contact with leaders of the Abia community in South Africa to identify other stranded individuals. Kanu also reported that the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba recorded eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence involving survivors aged four to 25. These cases included abuse by neighbors, landlords, family members, and a laborer, with some incidents involving repeated assaults on young children. The center is providing medical, psychosocial, and learning support to victims and is collaborating with law enforcement to pursue justice. Additionally, Kanu mentioned progress in the state government's partnership with MTN, with 77 percent of new sites operational, though some have been vandalized. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has also scheduled an orientation program for newly recruited teachers.
