Just as the word explains itself, femicide is the killing of women for reasons other than their gender and is a widespread problem that plagues communities all over the world. These women are mostly targeted by their own families, partners and strangers and we are left to wonder if women will one day see a respite from this issue.
Underreporting and different definitions of what can be classified as femicide make it difficult to get accurate figures on femicide in Nigeria. This crime has continuously been a serious issue in the country and to address this issue, we created a monthly repository to document cases of femicide globally. We did this for one year (July 2023 – June 2024) and the statistics showed that we have a femicide problem on our hands which must be curbed in our societies.
This report will serve as a vital data repository, that helps create awareness on the extent of this societal issue. It underscores the urgency for comprehensive measures to combat this pervasive problem, pushing for increased awareness, intervention, and support for victims.
Our figures are obtained from meticulous Google searches with targeted keywords to gather verified information from news outlets, human rights groups, and trusted media. The numbers do not represent all femicide cases globally. However, they do illustrate the harsh realities that women encounter and the problems related to femicide. The numbers in our report show important statistics and urge the world to come together to protect those most at risk.
The question remains: When do women cease being victims of gender-based violence, regardless of age? Can they find justice even in the grave? Why do their perpetrators roam freely, unaccountable for their heinous actions even when evidence has been presented?
Ingrained patriarchal norms and inequality especially in a country like Nigeria contribute to the increasing rates of femicide worldwide. The United Nations grimly acknowledges that we are far from achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) (on female equality and empowerment) as we approach the halfway mark in the race to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2018, one in every seven women (13 per cent of women aged 15 to 49) reported experiencing physical and sexual violence from an intimate partner or husband in the preceding 12 months.
In September, we found nine cases of femicide reported in the country. These incidents were reported in Ogun (2), Adamawa, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Kogi (2), and Anambra. Non-intimate partner violence was the highest reported case (55.6%) followed by intimate partner violence (33.3%) and domestic violence (11.1%). Intimate partner violence affected women aged 25-38 and non-intimate partner violence and domestic violence affected women and girls aged 17-38.
The most heartbreaking reported case of femicide is the story of Christianah Idowu, a 21-year-old 300-level student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) who was killed by Ayomide Adeleye who is also a student at the school and a ‘friend’. Alarmingly, Adeleye was previously accused of murdering his girlfriend and sister, highlighting the surge in gender-based violence in the country.
Christiana’s death led to a nationwide campaign against femicide using the hashtag #JusticeforChristiana to create awareness of how femicide must be addressed in the country.
Damilola Olowoyo a 19-year-old student of the Federal University of Lokoja was killed by Jeremiah Samson who had earlier kidnapped her and collected a ransom of 400,000 NGN from her parents. Samson informed the police that he had killed her for ritualistic purposes.
Ogechukwu Okafor was stabbed to death by her husband Elijah Emeka Ibeabuchi who is a pastor in Anambra State. This incident led the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare to launch an investigation into her death and the state governor ordered a probe into the case.
Femicide in Nigeria is a serious issue that has to be addressed right away. We must create a culture where women are secure and valued by comprehending its underlying causes, realising its terrible impact, and implementing efficient prevention tactics. One of the most important things that can be done to promote awareness and encourage change is to keep reporting on occurrences of femicide, as demonstrated by our most recent report.
We must continue to speak up against femicide and ensure that our outrage translates to actions and implementation of policies that promote the safety of women all over the world.
