Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, announced that between September and October 3, the country recorded 24,720 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases spanning all 36 states, including the FCT.
During a press briefing addressing the surge in GBV, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and other harmful traditions, Kennedy-Ohanenye provided a detailed breakdown: “Of the total cases, 975 ended fatally, 1,505 have concluded—either through court decisions, community interventions, or voluntarily by survivors due to intimidation. Meanwhile, 8,540 cases remain unresolved, and a mere 306 offenders have faced conviction in the past four years.”
Expressing deep concern over these alarming statistics, the minister called on community leaders, stakeholders, and institutions to join forces in combatting these prevalent issues. She emphasized the profound impact such violence has on women and children.
According to a People’s Gazette report, Kennedy-Ohanenye championed mobile courts in rural regions, believing they can facilitate greater access to justice and bolster the criminal justice system’s response to women and girls’ violence.
Highlighting a recent investigation into a case where a father allegedly abused his nine-year-old daughter, she vowed to ensure justice is served. The minister also criticized instances of jungle justice, where individuals face mob punishments, urging stronger measures to prevent such events and bring culprits to justice.
Closing her remarks, Kennedy-Ohanenye reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eradicating all forms of violence, supporting victims, and championing women’s rights and education for girls.
