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No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
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
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have conducted coordinated offensive operations on suspected terrorist enclaves across parts of Katsina State, forcing criminals to flee before troops’ arrival.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation took place at about 0800 hours on May 10, 2026, targeting Kafin-Soli, Karaduwa, Maraban Musawa and Jikamshi villages in Kankia, Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.
The sources said the clearance operation was part of ongoing efforts to dislodge criminal elements and deny them freedom of action within rural communities.
According to the sources, troops and vigilantes moved simultaneously into the identified locations but met no resistance as the suspected terrorists had fled prior to their arrival.
Military authorities said follow-up exploitation of the general area was ongoing to ensure the criminals do not regroup or return to the affected communities.
They added that troops will continue intelligence-led patrols and offensive operations across vulnerable areas in Katsina State to sustain pressure on criminal networks and restore normalcy.
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have successfully ambushed suspected terrorists along the Old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, neutralising one insurgent and recovering weapons, ammunition and other items.
Security sources said that the operation occurred at about 0450 hours on May 10, 2026, west of Meyanga and north of Adankolo Forest during a planned ambush operation.
The sources said troops made contact with the terrorists in the early hours of the day, leading to a brief exchange of fire.
According to the sources, one terrorist was neutralised during the engagement, while others fled the scene, abandoning their weapons and equipment.
Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 rifles, six magazines loaded with 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol, one Motorola handheld radio, one motorcycle, and a sum of ₦62,900.
Other recovered items included a camouflaged bandolier, three mobile phones and additional sundry materials.
Military authorities said troops have continued exploitation of the general area to track fleeing suspects and prevent regrouping of criminal elements.
They added that operations in the axis remain ongoing as part of sustained efforts to dominate the environment and deny terrorists freedom of action.
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
News
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
By: Michael Mike
Human rights and anti-poverty organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, has called for the immediate impeachment of any governor found guilty of using state resources to fund political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, following growing public concerns over alleged movement of huge sums of money by some political actors for campaign-related activities.
ActionAid Nigeria said the allegations have raised serious questions about the source of the funds allegedly being deployed for political mobilisation and consolidation of power ahead of the next election cycle.
Mamedu described the reports as disturbing and unacceptable, especially at a period when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.
According to him, it would amount to a grave abuse of public trust if state resources meant for governance and development were diverted for partisan political purposes.
“It is appalling that at a time when Nigeria is drowning in debt, workers are struggling with the rising cost of living, public hospitals are underfunded, schools are collapsing, insecurity is spreading, and millions of Nigerians are battling hunger and extreme economic hardship, that any suggestion of public resources are being diverted or deployed for political campaigns,” he stated.
The organisation stressed that governors were elected to serve the people and not to convert state resources into what it described as “political war chests.”
ActionAid Nigeria challenged governors and political actors allegedly linked to the claims to publicly explain the source of the funds being used for political activities, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability.
The group further urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as well as State Houses of Assembly, to commence immediate investigations into the allegations.
According to the organisation, any governor found culpable should face impeachment, prosecution and recovery of diverted public funds.
“Any governor who diverts public resources for political campaigns has violated public trust and abused the mandate given to them by citizens. Such individuals should not remain in office,” Mamedu said.
He warned that unchecked misuse of public resources could weaken democratic institutions and create an unfair political environment where incumbents enjoy undue advantage over other contestants.
The organisation also noted that while political parties have the right to organise campaigns and raise lawful support, such activities must not involve public funds, government assets or state institutions.
ActionAid Nigeria cited countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany and South Africa as examples where strict accountability measures exist to prevent incumbents from using state resources for partisan political activities.
The organisation called on citizens, civil society groups, journalists, whistleblowers and anti-corruption advocates to remain vigilant and expose any suspicious use of public resources for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections.
ActionAid Nigeria maintained that safeguarding democracy and protecting public resources must remain a collective responsibility of both institutions and citizens.
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
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Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
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