Human Rights Groups Condemn Rising Cases Of Rape And Kidnapping Of Women In Kogi

Human Rights Groups Condemn Rising Cases Of Rape And Kidnapping Of Women In KogiCivil society organizations and other key stakeholders in Kogi State have expressed deep concern over the rising cases of rape, kidnapping, and attacks on women, particularly women with disabilities. The groups voiced their grievances during a peaceful rally in Lokoja, held to mark the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, the Executive Director of Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), spoke on behalf of the group, calling on the Kogi State Government to take immediate action by establishing a Sexual Assault Referral Centre for survivors of GBV. She emphasized the alarming rate of violence against women, particularly the recent surge in kidnappings, which she categorized as a form of gender-based violence.

“There have been continuous reports of attacks on women, including wife battering, rape, and kidnapping,” Agbogun said. “There is a concerning rise in kidnapping incidents, and these are all forms of Gender-Based Violence. We want the citizens of Kogi State, both men and women, to feel safe. The recent increase in teenage pregnancies due to rape is also a major concern, and we urge the Commissioner of Police to address this issue.”

Barr. Nuhu Musa, the Kogi State Coordinator for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), also joined the call for a united front against GBV. He stressed the importance of collective action, saying, “Every form of Gender-Based Violence in Kogi State must be stopped. All stakeholders need to work together to eradicate this menace. This campaign must reach the grassroots, and the culture of silence around GBV cases must end.”

He also criticized the under-reporting of GBV incidents in the state, urging for an end to the silence that often surrounds these cases.

Barr. Joy Oluwaseun Akinola, President of the Concerned Youths and Teens Forum of Nigeria (CONYOUTH), pointed to the lack of shelters for victims of GBV as a significant barrier. “When cases of GBV are reported, there is often no place to shelter the victims, which exacerbates the problem. People are afraid to speak out because they know there is no safe space for them. Often, the perpetrators are family members or intimate partners,” Akinola said.

The rally highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat gender-based violence and provide support for survivors in Kogi State.

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