Women’s Rights Advocates Demand Urgent Government Action
Civil society organizations and women’s rights activists in Nigeria are demanding a state of emergency following an alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV).
Reports from The Femicide Observatory indicate that 17 cases of femicide were recorded in January 2025 alone—a staggering 240% increase compared to the same period last year. Many believe that these figures represent only a fraction of the actual incidents, as underreporting remains a persistent issue.
The Human Cost of GBV
One of the most shocking cases was the tragic murder of Emrich Effanga, allegedly by her boyfriend, which sparked widespread outrage. Similarly, Mutiat Sholola, a young mother, lost her life following a violent domestic dispute.
For many Nigerian women, these stories are all too familiar. Survivors of GBV often find themselves silenced by stigma, fear, and lack of trust in the justice system. A recent survey by UN Women Nigeria found that over 60% of Nigerian women have experienced some form of violence, but only a fraction report it.
Root Causes and Government Response
Experts attribute the rise in GBV to several factors, including misogynistic online content, weak law enforcement, and poor inter-agency coordination. Although Nigeria introduced the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2015, implementation has been slow.
Activists from Stand to End Rape (STER) argue that stronger policies, funding, and education are needed to tackle this crisis. Protests are already being organized in major cities, calling for urgent reforms.
The pressure is mounting on the Nigerian government to respond decisively. Many believe that declaring a state of emergency on GBV would be a crucial first step in prioritizing this issue.
Until concrete actions are taken, Nigerian women and girls remain at risk, fighting not just for justice—but for their very survival.
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