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UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria

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UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms. Beatrice Eyong has decried that security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country has exacerbated the prevalence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

Eyong, in her welcome address in Abuja on Thursday at the Convening of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Assessing EVAW and GEWE Landscape in Nigeria, said “we are confronted with the harsh reality that gender-based violence continues to be a pervasive and deeply rooted problem in our society. It affects women and girls of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, depriving them of their fundamental rights and freedoms. It is a violation of human rights, a barrier to development, and a threat to peace and security.”

She noted that: “As practitioners, we are all very familiar with the statistics but we must never become numb to the fact that each number represents a life. A life with ambitions, potential and one that has value.
 
“Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life. 33 percent Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by the age of 15. Similarly, data from the Mirabel Centre in Lagos show that 81 percent of reported cases of sexual assault between 2013 and 2019 were perpetrated against children – 67 percent of the perpetrators were known.
 
“In Nigeria, these staggering statistics have worsened because of the security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country. Additionally, the economic downturns arising from the recent devaluation of the local currency, high inflation, and the slow recovery from global economic shocks from COVID-19 have also exacerbated the prevalence of GBV. Furthermore, women’s voices continue to be marginalized with Nigeria holding the lowest figure for women’s representation in politics. Unfortunately, this situation impacts negatively on the gender profile of Nigeria.”

Eyong insisted that: “Today’s convening provides us with an opportunity to take stock of our achievements in the last five (5) years, identify gaps and challenges, and explore new strategies and partnerships to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. This is especially off the back of the large investment made by the EU-UN joint Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls. What are the lessons learned and how do we sustain the gains made?”
 
She explained that: “UN Women with support from the Ford Foundation is implementing the Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP). This intervention places emphasis on prevention, transformation of norms and practices and engagement of influential cultural leaders to end GBV. This is critical because at its base root of GBV are systems of unequal power and social structures.”
 
She however told the participants that: “Your insights, expertise, and experiences are invaluable as we work together to create a more just, equal, and violence-free society for all. 
 
“I encourage you to actively participate in the discussions, share your knowledge and best practices, and engage in constructive dialogue with your peers and partners. Let us use this platform to renew our commitment to the cause, to learn from each other, and to strengthen our collective efforts to achieve our common goals.”

UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.

Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.

He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.

According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.

The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.

He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.

The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.

The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.

They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.

The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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