The Jigawa State Government has stepped forward with unwavering support for 10-year-old Khadija Muhammed, a young girl tragically assaulted five months ago in the Galamawa community, Dutse.
This commitment was announced by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Mr. Sagir Musa, during an interview on the 8th of January, 2025, in Dutse.
According to Musa, the incident left Governor Umar Namadi deeply moved and determined to act.
“Governor Umar Namadi was dumbfounded and worried when he received the information on the girl’s condition,” Musa revealed, underscoring the governor’s profound concern.
In swift response, the governor ordered immediate and comprehensive support for Khadija and her family.
“His Excellency the Governor has ordered that proactive measures must be taken to support little Khadija and her family during this trying period,” Musa stated.
The commissioner confirmed that the perpetrator responsible for this heinous act has been arrested and remains in custody.
“The perpetrator was arrested and is presently on remand in prison,” Musa affirmed.
As part of the measures, Governor Namadi directed that Khadija receive top-tier medical care and rehabilitation without delay.
“The governor has ordered that the best medical care and rehabilitation be arranged for her as soon as possible,” the commissioner stressed.
Beyond healthcare, the governor emphasized Khadija’s future by mandating her re-enrollment in school after her recovery, granting her access to free education.
“The governor has ordered for the re-enrollment of Khadija back to school as soon as she recovers,” Musa announced.
In a bid to aid her psychological recovery, the Ministry of Women Affairs has been tasked with providing alternative accommodation for Khadija’s family.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs will arrange for a different accommodation for her family to help improve her psychological recovery,” he added.
Reiterating the government’s stance on gender-based violence, Musa assured that the administration remains steadfast in its fight against such crimes, providing unwavering support to survivors of sexual assault.
He also called on victims and their families to report cases to appropriate authorities, cautioning against using social media as a substitute for legal action.
The commissioner issued a stern warning to offenders, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy.
“We urge perpetrators to desist from such acts as the administration has implemented strict measures against gender violence,” he declared.
Khadija, who endured this traumatic ordeal in July, is currently undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation at a hospital in Kano, with the government closely overseeing her recovery.