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No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall

By: Michael Mike

No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives.

Gender inequality and violence against women remain among the greatest challenges to sustainable development, not just in Nigeria but globally. According to UN Women, 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, which represents 30 per cent of women aged 15 and older. This figure does not include sexual harassment.
Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights. It undermines the principles of equality, dignity, and respect. This violence takes many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, and economic; and occurs in every part of the world, including Nigeria. From intimate partner violence to harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, trafficking, exploitation, sexual harassment, and assault, the pervasive nature of gender-based violence reflects deep-rooted societal inequalities.
Reports have also established that women who have experienced violence are more likely to suffer from depression, and anxiety disorders with long-lasting dire consequences. The United Nations further captured the situation of gender-based violence globally: “For at least 51,100 women in 2023, the cycle of gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act—their murder by partners and family members. That means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.”
In Nigeria, violence and harmful practices against women and girls happen every day, and most of the time they are not reported. The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey in 2018 found that 9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31% had experienced physical violence. Restrictions and implications from the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gender-based violence (GBV) in the nation.
One of the global initiatives that consistently puts a spotlight on the issue of gender-based violence is the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence which starts on 25 November, the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women and ends on 10 December, the Human Rights Day. This period serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness, mobilize action, and demand an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.
During these 16 Days of Activism, let us not only reflect on the stories of pain but also celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of women and girls in Nigeria and the rest of the world. Let us honor their voices and commit to a future free from violence. It is a time to reflect on our progress and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead.
“No Excuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” is this year’s theme, and according to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it means standing with activists around the world who are calling for change and supporting survivors of violence. It is a powerful call to action. It asserts our collective responsibility to ensure that no woman, or girl is subjected to violence in their homes, communities, or workplaces. Violence in any form is never justified, acceptable, or excusable.
It is critical that we unite in our efforts to eliminate violence in all its forms. We must collaborate with governments, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector, to address the root causes of violence. We need to confront the harmful attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory norms that perpetuate a culture of violence. It is essential to break the silence and ensure that survivors receive the support and protection they need to rebuild their lives.
There is no excuse for violence against women. No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from fear of violence and discrimination. We must create safer environments where women and girls can access education, work, health services, and lead fulfilling lives without fear.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I stand with the global community in declaring an urgent truth: There is no excuse for violence against women and girls. This is not a matter for debate; it is a call to immediate action. The United Nations in Nigeria stands firmly against violence in all its forms. We are resolute in our commitment to supporting the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to end gender-based violence.
Our work in Nigeria focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, improving access to justice, and creating awareness to change mindsets and behaviours.
But we cannot do this alone. We need support from everyone: community leaders, religious institutions, educators, and individuals. It is vital to engage men and boys as partners in this fight, encouraging them to speak out against violence, challenge harmful gender norms, and foster respect and equality in their homes and communities.
We must also ensure that survivors of violence have access to the services and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This includes healthcare, legal aid, and counseling services. It is essential to create spaces where survivors can share their stories without fear of retaliation and where their dignity is preserved.
Together, we can unlock the full potential of every Nigerian and build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
There is no excuse for violence against women. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a world free from violence and discrimination. A world where women can live with diginity and respect.
Mohammed M. Fall, is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. He writes from Abuja.

No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall

News

Six killed, nine injured in fatal auto crash in Plateau

Published

9 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Six killed, nine injured in fatal auto crash in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Six persons were killed and nine others injured in a fatal motor accident involving a trailer truck at Shendam Road junction in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said that the accident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 4 when a trailer conveying about 400 bags of unprocessed rice from Yelwa-Shendam en route Kano State lost control and fell off the road.

The deceased were identified as Samaila Dahiru, from Katsina State; Sanusi Ladan Yelwa, from Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State; Abubakar Sa’id, from Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State; and Zaradeen Makama, from Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State.

Police said two other victims died in the crash but were yet to be identified as at the time of filing this report.

They added that nine persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“On receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Langtang North, mobilised and led a team of policemen to the scene and cordoned off the area,” the sources said.

They said the injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Langtang North, with the assistance of personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and members of the public for medical attention.

According to the sources , the identified corpses were released to their relatives for burial in line with Islamic rites.

Six killed, nine injured in fatal auto crash in Plateau

News

Realistic training key to winning modern battles, says Army Chief as he declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open

Published

9 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Realistic training key to winning modern battles, says Army Chief as he declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated that realistic, mission-oriented and doctrine-driven training remains the most critical enabler for superior operational outcomes across Nigeria’s diverse theatres of operation.

Shaibu made this assertion while delivering his opening remarks at the 2026 Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Conference, which formally commenced the Nigerian Army’s training activities for the year.

The Army Chief warned that failure to adequately and realistically prepare officers and soldiers for assigned missions would inevitably undermine operational effectiveness, noting that the evolving and increasingly complex security environment demands a force that is professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient.

According to him, the conference was convened to promote robust and forward-looking deliberations aimed at aligning training, doctrine and operational concepts with contemporary and emerging security challenges confronting the nation.

Shaibu said Army Headquarters remained firmly focused on sound policy formulation and holistic, mission-specific training, in line with his Command Philosophy.

He charged commandants and leaders of training institutions to internalise this philosophy and translate it into practical outcomes by producing combat-ready, resilient and adaptable troops capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.

The COAS described the theme of the conference, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Operational Outcomes Through Effective Training and Doctrine Implementation,” as apt and timely, stressing that doctrine must continue to guide training, planning and the execution of operations across all formations.

He urged participants to relate conference presentations to real operational experiences, with a view to strengthening the Army’s capacity to counter terrorism, insurgency and other contemporary security threats.

Shaibu placed particular emphasis on Exercise MUGUN BUGU, describing it as the hallmark of Nigerian Army training activities. He said the exercise remained central to validating doctrinal principles and assessing operational readiness.

The Army Chief called for greater realism in training scenarios, including the integration of improvised explosive device (IED) threats, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) procedures and the expanded use of simulators to enhance proficiency and cost-effectiveness.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel in safeguarding national security, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening fighting power, improving welfare and administration, and providing purposeful leadership to confront threats to peace and security.

He also commended past commanders of the Training and Doctrine Command, retired senior officers and the current TRADOC leadership for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army.

The COAS appreciated the conference resource persons for their insights, which he said would help shape the Army’s training and doctrinal direction in the year ahead.

Shaibu further expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army, while reaffirming the unalloyed loyalty of the Service to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his welcome remarks, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, described the conference as a critical intellectual platform for setting the tone for Nigerian Army training activities in 2026.

Malla said the conference underscored the Army’s unwavering commitment to doctrine-driven, realistic and mission-focused training as the foundation for operational effectiveness, particularly in an increasingly complex and adaptive security environment.

He noted that Nigeria’s prolonged engagements in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other internal security operations had consistently highlighted the vital link between sound doctrine, effective training and operational success.

The TRADOC commander reaffirmed the command’s commitment to Nigerian Army Doctrine as the professional blueprint guiding operations, stressing the need for doctrine to remain dynamic and responsive to emerging threats.

He urged participants to actively engage in deliberations, challenge assumptions and propose practical solutions aimed at enhancing training effectiveness and strengthening the Army’s collective operational competence.

The COAS later formally declared the Training and Doctrine Command Conference 2026 open

Realistic training key to winning modern battles, says Army Chief as he declared the TRADOC Conference 2026 open

News

One killed, nine arrested as rival gangs clash in Kano

Published

9 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

One killed, nine arrested as rival gangs clash in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

One person was killed and nine suspects arrested following a violent clash between rival thuggery groups in Kawo and Mariri areas of Kano metropolis, sources have confirmed.

Sources told the Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Jan. 4 at about 9:00 p.m., following a fight between two rival groups led by Kabalo Snu and Faizu Mohammed, popularly known as Chabross of Yar Kasuwa, Kawo Quarters.

According to the sources, the clash was a reprisal attack linked to an earlier confrontation between the two groups. They said that earlier in the day, at about 1:40 p.m., Faizu Mohammed allegedly inflicted injuries on Kabalo during a separate altercation, prompting members of Kabalo’s group to launch a retaliatory attack later that night.

During the reprisal, Faizu Mohammed was reportedly stabbed in the neck with a sharp object, sustaining severe injuries. He was rushed to Sir Muhammadu Sanusi Specialist Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

The sources said the corpse was subsequently released to his relatives for burial, while normalcy was restored in the area.

However, tension resurfaced in the early hours of Jan. 5 when information was received that some suspected thugs were mobilising in large numbers at Kawo Quarters, allegedly to carry out another reprisal attack on Kabalo at his residence located at Jar Kuka, Mariri Quarters.

The sources said police operatives were swiftly deployed to the area and arrived to find that the suspects had already broken into a shop belonging to Kabalo.

According to the sources, the operatives charged into the area, arrested nine suspects and recovered some exhibits, while several others fled the scene.

The sources added that the situation has since been brought under control, with normalcy restored across the affected neighbourhoods. Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

One killed, nine arrested as rival gangs clash in Kano