XENOPHOBIA: ABIA PROCESSES MORE RETURNING NIGERIANS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Abia State Government has disclosed that it is processing another batch of residents returning from South Africa, while revealing that eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence involving survivors aged between four and 25 were recorded in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection had continued to coordinate the protection, voluntary repatriation and reintegration of Abians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
He said the ministry was currently processing another group of returnees while working with leaders of the Abia community in South Africa to identify and verify other stranded residents who may require assistance.
According to him, the state government would continue to support Abians facing difficulties in South Africa and facilitate their return to the country.
Kanu also disclosed that the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba recorded eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the period under review. The survivors were aged between four and 25.
He said the reported cases involved alleged abuse by neighbours, landlords, relatives and a labourer, with some children reportedly subjected to repeated assaults by the same perpetrator.
The commissioner said the centre provided medical, psychosocial and educational support to the survivors and was working with security agencies to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
On telecommunications, Kanu said the state had made significant progress in its partnership with MTN Nigeria to improve voice and data services across Abia.
He disclosed that 77 per cent of the newly deployed network sites were operational, resulting in improved coverage in areas that had previously experienced poor connectivity.
According to him, MTN was also working to restore the near-total coverage achieved before vandals damaged several of the newly installed sites.
Kanu further announced that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education had scheduled a five-day orientation programme for newly recruited teachers to familiarise them with the administration’s vision and strategic direction for education in the state.
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