The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has launched an emergency intervention helpline to strengthen efforts to prevent violence and abuse against women and girls across its 12 wards.
The council also urged residents to speak up when they witness cases of abuse and encouraged victims to seek immediate assistance rather than suffer in silence.
The initiative was announced during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday by AMAC Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Hon. Loveth Izekor.
Speaking on the theme, “Unite to Protect: Empowering AMAC Women Through Knowledge and Action,” Izekor said the campaign was focused on turning awareness about gender-based violence into practical measures that protect women and girls.
She stressed that the responsibility for protecting vulnerable persons goes beyond government, calling on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and residents to take an active role in identifying and reporting cases of abuse.
According to her, the campaign will take information on different forms of violence, women’s rights, protection services and safe reporting channels directly to communities, markets and households across AMAC’s 12 wards.
Izekor said the new helpline would provide residents with a confidential avenue to report abuse, seek urgent intervention and receive referrals to relevant support services.
She urged residents to save and circulate the official emergency contact within their communities, particularly among people who may need immediate assistance.
“If you see abuse, do not look away. If you know someone in danger, do not remain silent. If a woman or child needs help, help them find help,” she said.
The Special Adviser said the intervention framework involves the Nigeria Police Force Gender Desk, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), healthcare providers, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and media partners.
She explained that the collaboration would strengthen access to emergency intervention, legal support, healthcare, counselling, prevention services and other forms of assistance for survivors.
Izekor also appealed to traditional rulers and royal queens to help challenge the culture of silence surrounding abuse, while encouraging religious leaders to promote dignity, compassion and protection within their communities.
She further tasked ward and community coordinators with taking the campaign to the grassroots to ensure residents are aware of available support mechanisms.
The initiative builds on the AMAC Women 5 Voice, unveiled by AMAC Chairman and FCT Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, during the launch of the LADDER Initiative on September 16.
Reaffirming AMAC’s commitment to protecting women and girls, Izekor said: “You are valuable. Your dignity matters. Your safety matters. You are not alone. Do not suffer in silence. Break the silence. Call for help. Unite to protect.”
