.By Our Correspondent.

Hajiya Amina Hanga, the Executive Director of Isa Wali Empowerment Initiatives, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Coalition Against Rape and Violence (CARAV).

CARAV is a collaboration of key stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental organizations united in their fight against rape and violence through various strategic initiatives.

Other persons also elected to various positions include: Aisha Abubakar as vice chairperson, Abbas Ibrahim as Secretary, Mustapha Gambo Muhammad as Assistant Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad as Treasurer, and Dayyabu Abdulqadir Waziri as Financial Secretary.

These individuals will steer the activities of the Coalition for the next two years.

In her speech, the newly elected chairperson of CARAV emphasized the need for members’ cooperation and commitment to eradicating rape and violence.

She highlighted that the harmful practice requires collective efforts to combat the action

“We come together today not merely to remember why we began this journey, but to rekindle the fire that drives us. We are here to revive something that should never have gone quiet—a coalition united against rape, sexual violence, and all forms of abuse.

The convener also added,” We are here to re-energize our efforts, realign our strategies, and recommit to our shared mission of ending violence and creating safe spaces for survivors and communities. Rape and violence continue to cast dark shadows over too many communities, leaving survivors in pain and societies grappling with the consequences. In the face of these challenges, CARAV used to stand as a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination.”

She pointed out that the reactivition meeting marks a pivotal moment. “We are here to reignite our purpose, strengthen our unity, and chart a renewed path forward.

According to her, CARAV has the power to amplify the voices of survivors, to push for systemic change, and to cultivate a culture where dignity, respect, and safety are not privileges, but rights afforded to every individual.

In her remarks, Justice Maryam Ahmad Sabo, a founding member of the Coalition, highlighted the need for the prevention of such occurrences.

The Jurist, stressed the need for sensitization and strong collaboration among stakeholders as the way forward to combat the menace

Speaking as a founding father, Professor Muhammad Tabi’u, SAN, explained that the establishment of CARAV was a direct response to a 2011 rape case involving some law enforcement officers.

The legal luminary stated, “The case attracted a public outcry until the culprits were brought to book by the court of law.” This event, Professor Tabi’u emphasized, highlighted a serious concern about the rampant occurrence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

According to him, from its inception, the Coalition adopted tactical strategies, incorporating both CSOs, Government Agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Professor Tabi’u charged new leadership to be committed and review constitution of Coalition and refine strategies to address the prevalent of rape occurrance.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has summoned the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman and board members of the commission for a meeting today at the Vice President’s Conference Room.

A letter of invitation sighted by Daily Trust, and signed by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, revealed that the meeting slated for today was to brief the Vice President on preparation for the 2055 Hajj and outstanding issues.

It could be recalled that the chairman and the non-executive board members of the commission have been having issues on lack of inclusion in some decisions made by the chairman for the preparation of the 2025 Hajj.

This culminated into a petition to the Vice President who warned the chairman to stop running the affairs of the commission as a sole administrator.

Death toll from the multiple attacks carried out by armed invaders on communities in Benue State has risen to 72.

This followed the recovery of 13 more bodies from the attacks on Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas of the state.

During his Easter remark in Makurdi, on Sunday, Governor Hyacinth Alia had acknowledged a total recovery of 59 bodies

However, the discovery of more bodies from surrounding bushes of the troubled communities increased the fatalities.

Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to Benue Governor on Media and Content Creation, Isaac Uzaan, who gave the update, said the bodies were found in both attacked local government areas.