The Benue State Ministry of Justice has established special reporting desks across Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state to improve access to justice for displaced residents and strengthen the fight against rape, gender-based violence, child abuse and other crimes.
According to the Ministry, the initiative is designed to make it easier for victims and witnesses to report criminal incidents directly to trained officials, while ensuring that cases are properly documented and referred for investigation and prosecution. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Yangien Ornguga, stated that the reporting desks will also provide legal guidance to victims and work closely with security agencies, humanitarian organisations and camp management to ensure offenders are held accountable.
The Ministry explained that the move forms part of the Benue State Government’s broader efforts to improve the protection of vulnerable persons living in IDP camps, many of whom have been displaced by insecurity. In addition to the physical desks, the Ministry has also created a website to enable residents to report gender-based violence, rape and other criminal issues without the stress of travelling to court, thereby facilitating quicker access to justice.
Residents and humanitarian stakeholders have welcomed the development, expressing hope that it will encourage more victims to speak up and help reduce crime within the camps. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding displaced communities and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual and other violent crimes are brought to justice.
