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UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
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
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
By Comrade Philip O. Ikodor
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation (AMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers, brought Easter cheer to military widows at Breden Estate, Airport Road, Abuja, on April 2nd, 2026. The event was a poignant celebration of hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness, as Princess Ashlee Omonegho Momoh, Lead/Founder of AMF, emphasized in her address.
“Easter is the season of renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness,” Princess Ashlee said. “It reminds us that even after the longest winter, spring arrives and even after the deepest sorrow, there is the possibility of a new dawn.” The outreach was designed to show support and encouragement to the military widows, and to felicitate with them on the occasion of Easter.
Princess Ashlee Momoh reassured the widows that while their loved ones are no longer physically present, their legacy lives on, and AMF is committed to standing with them, supporting them, and celebrating their strength. “Today, we celebrate you, our heroes’ widows, and the sacrifices you’ve made,” she said.
The event was filled with moments of joy and fulfilment, as beneficiaries received gift items, cash gifts, and scholarship opportunities. The Foundation also announced enlistment for skill acquisition and empowerment programs, aimed at equipping the widows with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
The outreach was a testament to AMF’s unwavering commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers, and its dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have made immense sacrifices for their country. As one beneficiary put it, “This Easter, we’ve received more than just gifts – we’ve received hope, love, and a sense of belonging.”
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation’s Easter outreach was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and that together, we can overcome any challenge.
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
By: Zagazola Makama
Six persons have been confirmed dead and 12 others injured in a fatal road traffic accident along the Okolowo–Jebba expressway in Kwara State.
Police sources said the accident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on April 2 near Danjuma Bakery area, involving a Toyota Hummer bus and a stationary truck.
According to the sources, the bus with registration number BTR-161-XA was conveying 18 passengers from Lagos State to Katsina State when it rammed into a parked truck with registration number BUU-495-ZD.
The truck was reportedly driven by Kamarudeen Abdullahi, said to be from Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The impact of the collision resulted in the death of six passengers on the spot, while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Oke-Oyi, for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Police said investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
Troops neutralise three suspected terrorists in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2 Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised three suspected terrorists during an ambush operation at Karem village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on April 2 following credible intelligence on the movement of armed men on three motorcycles heading towards the community.
The sources disclosed that troops swiftly mobilised and laid an ambush along the route leading into the village.
“Contact was made with the terrorists, and troops engaged them with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three of the assailants,” the source said.
He added that a follow-up exploitation of the scene led to the recovery of the bodies of the neutralised suspects.
However, no weapons or motorcycles were recovered, as fleeing members of the group were believed to have evacuated them during the encounter.
The source said efforts were ongoing to track and intercept the fleeing suspects, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.
Troops neutralise three suspected terrorists in Plateau
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
Police arrest newly recruited suspected ISWAP member in Kwara
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
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