ADDRESSING THE RIVERS STATE SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE RESPONSE GAP: AN ANALYSIS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRES (SARCS) IN THE SOUTH-SOUTH STATES OF NIGERIA.

Overview

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with survivors often facing significant barriers to accessing justice, medical care, and psychosocial support. In the South-South region of Nigeria, a critical network of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) has been established to provide free emergency services to survivors. A recent update from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) published through their HerStoryOurStoryNG project funded by the European Union in Nigeria in March 2025 highlights the expansion of SARCs to 50 across 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), up from 32 in 17 states in 2022. This article analyses the current state of SARCs in the South-South region comprising Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States using data from IDEA’s SARC National directory. It also serves as an advocacy message for the South-South SGBV Info Hub, calling for strengthened support systems and the establishment of SARCs in states where they are currently absent.

SARCs in the South-South Region

The South-South region, known for its economic significance due to oil production, is home to several SARCs providing essential services to SGBV survivors. Cross Rivers State takes the lead with 3 SARCs, Akwa Ibom and Delta have two SARCs each, Bayelsa and Edo States have one SARC in each State, while Rivers State has no existing SARC. Below is a breakdown summary of the SARCs in the region, based on the HerStoryOurStoryNG directory:

From IDEA’s SARC Directory: Cross River, Delta, and Edo SARCs

EDO STATE (One SARC)

Name of SARC: Vivax SARC

Location and Address: 1 Coronation Avenue, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Dr. Eddie O. Ighodaro, eddie.ighodaro@vivaxhospital.com, 08065461139

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 08065461139, 0700 222 2020 (Toll free: 0800 222 2020)

DELTA STATE (TWO SARCS)

Name of SARC: Asaba SARC

Location and Address: Asaba Specialist Hospital, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Uzoma Henry Nwosu, uzoma.nwosu@asabaspecialisthospital.org, 07030465902

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 07030465902

Name of SARC: Ughelli SARC

Location and Address: General Hospital Ughelli, Otovwodo, Ughelli North, Delta

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Ubiomo Davidone Eserovwe, ubiomo.davidone@generalhospitalughelli.org, 08040644632

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 08040644632

From IDEA’s SARC Directory: Bayelsa and Cross River State SARCS

BAYELSA STATE (One SARC)

Name of SARC: HALO SARC, Bayelsa

Location and Address: 30 Saint Road, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Nulani Sorbari Enee, nulani.sorbarienee@halobayelsa.org, 08071002922

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 08107100329

CROSS RIVER STATE (Three SARCs)

Name of SARC: Yakurr One Stop Centre

Location and Address: Obt Ubi Ujong Avenue, Ugep, Yakurr, Cross River

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Nora Oyama, 08065188878, oogbe@heartlandalliancenigeria.org

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 08065188878

Name of SARC: Cross River One Stop Centre (HALO) SARC

Location and Address: 4 Ogoja Ogban Drive, State Housing Estate, Calabar, Cross River

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Nteloke Usang, 08102802487, nusanga@heartlandalliancenigeria.org

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 08164012385

Name of SARC: Cross River One Stop Centre

Location and Address: Born-Peter Highway, Ekorinim, Calabar, Cross River

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Dr. Sylvester Okoi, 07066849301, syokofor@heartlandalliancenigeria.org

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 07069447140

From IDEA’s SARC Directory: Akwa Ibom State SARCS

AKWA IBOM STATE (Two SARCs)

Name of SARC: Heartland Alliance Nigeria (HALG) SARC

Location and Address: 26 Abel Damina Drive, Osogama Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Dr. Ngozi Nnanna, 07068508127, nnanna@heartlandalliancenigeria.org

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 09021028336

Name of SARC: Restoration Centre

Location and Address: General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: Nse Efanga, 07031800278, forevernse@gmail.com

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: 08168670844

RIVERS STATE (No SARC)

Name of SARC: N/A

Location and Address: N/A

Centre Manager Name, Email, Phone Number: N/A

SARC Hotline(s)/Handles: N/A

Analysis of SARC Coverage in the South-South Region

The data reveals a commendable presence of SARCs in five out of the six South-South states, with Cross River leading with three centres, followed by Delta and Akwa Ibom with two each, and Edo and Bayelsa with one each. These centres, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), provide critical services such as medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance to survivors of SGBV.

However, a glaring gap exists in Rivers State, which has no SARC listed in the directory. Rivers State, as the economic hub of the South-South region and home to Port Harcourt, with major urban and peri-urban centres, likely has a significant population of SGBV survivors who lack access to specialised support services. This absence is particularly concerning given the state’s high population density and reported cases of SGBV, often linked to socioeconomic challenges and urban and peri-urban vulnerabilities.

Political Hindrances to SARC Establishment in Rivers State

The absence of a SARC in Rivers State may be attributed to several political and systemic challenges. Firstly, political will and prioritisation of SGBV issues vary across states. Rivers State has faced governance challenges, including frequent political tensions and budget allocation disputes, which may divert attention and resources from social welfare initiatives like SARCs. Additionally, the state’s complex political landscape, marked by rivalries between political factions, could hinder the collaborative efforts needed to establish and sustain such centres. Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies may also play a role, as funds allocated for social programs are sometimes mismanaged or redirected. Finally, the lack of awareness or advocacy at the state level might contribute to the oversight, as local leaders may not fully recognize the urgency of addressing SGBV through specialized centres.

Advocacy for the South-South SGBV Info Hub

The South-South SGBV Info Hub

The South-South SGBV Info Hub calls on stakeholders in the South-South region to strengthen existing SARCs and establish new ones, particularly in Rivers State. Strengthening SARCs involves increasing funding for staff training, expanding outreach programs, and ensuring centres are equipped with forensic tools for evidence collection. In states like Cross River, which has a robust network, the focus should be on sustainability and scaling up services to rural areas. For Rivers State, the South-South SGBV Info Hub urges the state government to prioritise the establishment of a SARC, potentially in Port Harcourt, to serve as a central hub for survivors. This can be achieved through strategic partnerships with local and international organisations.

A Call to Action

The expansion of SARCs to 50 across Nigeria is a testament to the power of collective action in addressing SGBV. However, the absence of a Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) in Rivers State underscores the need for continued advocacy and investment in SGBV intervention areas. The South-South SGBV Info Hub calls on policymakers, civil society, and community leaders to rally behind this cause. Survivors in the South-South region deserve accessible, high-quality support services, regardless of their location. By strengthening SARCs and ensuring comprehensive coverage, we can create a safer, more just region for all.

For more information or to support the South-South SGBV Info Hub’s efforts, please contact sgbvinfohubnetwork.southsouth@gmail.com or visit https://www.gada-nigeria.org/news-events/south-south-sgbv-online-hub-our-journey-so-far

Inyingi Irimagha, South-South SGBV Info Hub Coordinator.