Two rights groups, Tonia Bruised but not Broken and Stop The Abuse Against Women And Children Foundation, yesterday described Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary as devoid of freedom and justice for women.
The groups staged a peaceful sit-in protest to draw national attention to the rising incidents of femicide, domestic violence, and gender-based violence (GBV) plaguing the country.
The event, organized by advocates such as Barrister Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo of the Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation and Anthonia Ojenagbon of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken, was held in Lagos as a call to action against the systemic abuse and marginalization of women, which continues to persist decades after Nigeria’s independence.
Providing a grim list of tragic incidents that underscore the rising violence against women in Nigeria, Anthonia Ojenagbon said: “We remember Uwa Omozuwa, who was brutally murdered in a church in Edo State; Evelyn Ibe, stabbed by her husband in Abuja; and Comfort Ogbu, killed by her spouse in Enugu. These are not isolated incidents. From Bimbo Ogbonna to Christiana and Barakat, the violence against women is an endless list that reveals a terrifying pattern of abuse that cannot be ignored any longer.”
The protesters also highlighted other egregious cases of abuse, including the rape of a married woman by a police officer in custody in Lagos and the defilement of a young girl by a police officer within a police station. Despite these heinous acts, they pointed out that there has been insufficient legal action and protection for the victims.
The groups therefore called on the government to expedite the prosecution of pending GBV cases, strengthen laws and policies that protect women’s rights, and increase funding for support services and shelters. These measures, they stressed, would raise awareness of the devastating impact of GBV, push for swift justice for victims, and advocate for comprehensive policy reforms.
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