The British High Commission in Nigeria has selected Benue State as one of the pilot locations for a groundbreaking forensic science initiative aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of rape and sexual assault cases.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the Benue State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Theresa Apochi-Ikwue, by Mr. Kelvin Hurley, a British Police officer with Scotland Yard, and Mr. Roger Raweus, a retired British military officer and Senior Advisor with SPRING Tetra Tech International Development Company, Abuja.
Hurley explained that the initiative will employ modern DNA testing to analyze biological samples such as semen, saliva, or blood obtained from survivors.
The goal, he noted, is to develop DNA profiles that can help identify suspects and ensure justice is served. In cases where rape results in pregnancy, DNA testing will also be used to establish paternity.
According to him, the delegation was in Benue to seek collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Commissioners for Health, Justice, and Women Affairs, the Police, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, to create the synergy needed for the project’s smooth implementation.
The project, which is fully funded by the British Government, will provide training for police officers, doctors, health personnel, social workers, and other relevant professionals on the collection, preservation, and use of forensic evidence.
It will also strengthen investigations beyond sexual violence cases, extending to crimes such as kidnapping and banditry.
Furthermore, the British Government will assist in setting up modern shelters for survivors, support the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SARC, in Benue, and advocate for stronger legal provisions to enable the admissibility of forensic evidence in court proceedings.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Theresa Odachi Ikwue, expressed deep gratitude to the British Government for selecting Benue as a pilot state.
She assured the visiting team of her ministry’s full cooperation and reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SARC, Mrs Linda Dirisu, pointed out that one of the challenges the Centre faces is that after 78 hours, it becomes difficult to obtain accurate test results from survivors.
Responding to this concern, Hurley explained that with forensic science, investigators can still gather vital evidence even after several days.
He stated that DNA traces on clothing or other materials can remain viable and assist in identifying offenders, emphasizing that forensic science remains effective regardless of time delays.
Dirisu commended the British Government for the intervention, saying it would greatly enhance the Centre’s ability to handle SGBV cases efficiently.
She pledged her full support to the success of the initiative and expressed confidence that it would significantly reduce cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Benue and across Nigeria.
Those in attendance at the meeting included Mrs Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare; MrsbMartha Edor, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Kelvin Hurley; Mr. Roger Raweus; CSP Ameh Ann (Special Police); Mrs Andor M. Magdalene, Director of Women Affairs; and Linda Ene Dirisu-Ochigbo, State Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SARC.
UK supports Benue with forensic project to boost justice for rape, assault survivors