Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) has issued an update on sexual and gender-based violence in three local council areas of Rivers State. It has however identified masquerades as a threat.
Details:
HELDI says Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a serious concern across the target local council areas including Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local council area (ONELGA), Eleme, and Etche councils. Their project is currently being implemented in the areas.
According to a statement issued by Dr Mfon Utin, the prevalence of these violations underscores the urgent need for sustainable, coordinated, and community-driven interventions to prevent and respond effectively to such incidents.
Dr Utin said a major positive development is the establishment of SGBV Response Teams in two LGAs (Eleme and ONELGA). Although these teams have not yet been officially launched by the state government, they have already begun supporting survivors and reporting cases. Their efforts are commendable, but significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the prosecution of perpetrators, access to justice, and the availability of referral services for survivors.
ONELGA
A pressing concern in ONELGA is the recurring violence associated with masquerade activities. Though traditionally intended as cultural displays, masquerades are increasingly being used to inflict harm and instill fear among community members.
One disturbing case involved a survivor who suffered a severe spinal cord injury. The ONELGA Traditional Council (Oba and Council of Chiefs) took swift action to address a recent incident in Obrikom, which had the potential to escalate into a communal crisis.
Additionally, the reported rape case involving a three-year-old child and a 19-year-old suspect remains unresolved, despite referrals to both health and police services.
Etche LGA
In Etche, a case involving the rape of a 24-year-old woman by a 48-year-old man was reported on April 2, 2025. Although the survivor received a medical referral and the incident was reported to local security, the perpetrator was released. Financial constraints prevented a formal report to the police, highlighting a broader systemic issue where survivors and their families are unable to afford the costs associated with accessing referral services and legal action.
The SGBV Response Team in Etche is yet to be fully established. Its formation was interrupted due to the recent dissolution of the LGA Chairman and council officials. However, efforts are ongoing to ensure the team is officially set up and functional.
Eleme LGA
In Eleme, several cases have been reported, and survivors are receiving ongoing support through referrals and counselling. The response team has played a vital role in providing timely interventions and ensuring survivors are not left without assistance.
Some cases in all three LGAs are still under investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases and ongoing processes, full details cannot be disclosed at this time.
Cross-Cutting Challenges:
A common challenge across all three LGAs is the cost of accessing essential referral services, including healthcare, police, legal, and judicial support. These services are not free, and many survivors struggle to pursue justice due to financial barriers. For instance, logistics challenges still hinder arrests in reported cases, thus, many vulnerable survivors cannot afford medical care or legal representation.
Despite these challenges, the SGBV Response Teams have made notable progress. In addition to providing survivor support and reporting, they have played an important role in reconciliation and peacebuilding, particularly in cases where survivors prefer discreet resolution. These quiet interventions have helped de-escalate tensions and foster healing within families and communities.
The official launch of the response teams by the state government would not only validate their work but also empower them with the confidence and authority needed to function more effectively.
HELDI says it appreciates the dedication and commitment of the response teams across all LGAs.
“We also call for greater support to ensure survivors have full access to the necessary referral services, and that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with the law.”
