The Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri, has issued a strong warning to perpetrators of gender-based violence in the state, stressing that the law will catch up with them regardless of how long they hide.
Dr. Diri gave the warning while receiving members of the Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa. The visit followed the recent assault of Miss Nancy Wilfred, a 19-year-old resident of Yenagoa and student of the Federal University, Otuoke, whose attack by fellow female students drew widespread condemnation after a viral video circulated on social media.
Describing the incident as “barbaric and unfortunate,” the First Lady assured the victim of her safety and protection under the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2021 of Bayelsa State.
“As a mother, I find it difficult to comprehend that such an act could be carried out. Nancy Wilfred will be admitted immediately for comprehensive medical examination. I have also spoken with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, who assured me that the suspects will be apprehended,” Dr. Diri stated.
She further emphasized that no sane society should tolerate such lawlessness, reiterating that “there is no hiding place for perpetrators of crime.”
The Bayelsa First Lady also used the occasion to caution adolescents against social vices, stressing that the dignity and sanctity of human life must be respected at all times. She called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children’s upbringing, noting that while raising responsible adults is a collective duty, parents have the most critical role to play.
Dr. Diri highlighted that the State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, as well as security agencies, provides free medical and psychological support services for survivors of gender-based violence. She encouraged the public to channel such cases through GRIT for timely and appropriate action.
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