According to Ahmad Shehu, the Coordinator of the Zamfara State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), the centre has recorded 400 sexual assault cases in the last two years.
Shehu made the remarks during a discussion with civil society organizations (CSOs), the media, security personnel, members of the state's children parliaments, and representatives from MDAs in Gusau on Wednesday.
The event was organized by Save the Children International (SCI), a UK aid-funded NGO, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, according to the Nigerian News Agency.
The event was held to commemorate the 2021 International Day of the Girl Child, which was held under the theme "Digital Generation, Our Generation."
The coordinator went on to say that the state's new center, which opened two years ago, has faced numerous challenges that have hampered its operations.
According to him, the most significant obstacle is a lack of funds.
"Resources are needed to follow up on cases."
Members of the state's children's parliament called on the government to investigate and end the state's 'almajiri' issues in separate motions at the event.
They also urged authorities to work together to find solutions to a variety of issues affecting the development of girls.
Nura Usman, a parliamentarian representing Bungudu Local Government Area, expressed concern about the rising rate of female almajiri in the state.
According to him, the problem is getting worse, especially in rural areas.
“Something must be done immediately to save the lives and futures of our younger sisters.
“I am pleading with policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, parents and guardians, and other stakeholders in the state to put an end to such activities," Usman said.
Sa'adatu Muhammad, the Speaker of the Parliament, called on the government to develop policies to address various issues affecting girls' education in her remarks.
"As we all know, education is the cornerstone of any society's development, and educating a woman has numerous societal benefits.
"All stakeholders, particularly parents, guardians, and policymakers, must work together to ensure that the girl child and other children receive quality education for the future of our society," Muhammad said.
The speaker also urged the state legislature to pass the Child Protection Bill as soon as possible, claiming that it would promote child protection and development in the state.
"The bill is critical for everyone in society because it will protect children from gender-based and domestic violence, as well as child labor and rape, among other threats they face."
"The bill will also ensure the protection of disabled children by promoting quality education and health care for children in the state," said the speaker.
She praised Gov. Bello Matawalle's administration, the state legislature, officials from the ministry of women affairs, and Save the Children as partners in the state's efforts to promote child development.
The speaker urged them to expedite the bill's passage and signing, citing the bill's importance to the state's children's future development.