Egbetokun, Kingibe call for stronger action against gender-based violence

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun

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Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have called for stronger measures to tackle gender-based violence in Nigeria.

They spoke in Abuja on Sunday during an event marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Gender-based violence remains a major concern in Nigeria, with rights groups warning that cases of rape, domestic abuse, child defilement, and digital harassment are rising.

Studies also show that many incidents go unreported due to fear of stigma, retaliation, and weak enforcement of laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which is not fully implemented in all states.

In her address, Kingibe urged Nigerian women to unite and demand greater inclusion in governance, noting that many still live in fear due to rising abuse.

She said, “We, the women of Nigeria, must stand together. We have to be strong to end gender-based violence, for women’s inclusion in governance and policy-making, to be part of the development of Nigeria.

“Nobody is going to wake us and say, ‘Come.’ We have to demand it. We have to show that we are up for it. Gender-based violence is one of those things that deters women.

“I know that even people like me are sometimes afraid. So I can imagine how younger, more vulnerable women feel. And it can only stop when we all insist that it stop.”

She added that women must play a central role in Nigeria’s political and development journey.

“So, my sisters, this is just one battle. We have several others. We achieve everything that we want to achieve. Women must be part of the journey and sit at the table,” she added.

Egbetokun, who was represented by AIG Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, reassured Nigerians of the police’s commitment to protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.

“On behalf of all the policemen and policewomen, I want to reassure Nigerians that the IGP and every police officer understands that ‘No’ means No,” he said.

“If you come to our station or division, I want to assure you that the Nigerian police have zero tolerance for gender-based violence in any form, be it digital or physical.”

The police chief also said the force has launched a new GBV training manual and expanded gender desks to all police divisions to improve response.

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the government’s focus on the welfare of women and children.

“There is no room for abuse in our families, communities, and society. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, we have a president who has characterised the welfare and the well-being of the citizens.

“We’re ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that we’re protected and to support the image of the Nigeria of our dreams, where everybody is protected,” she said.

The minister added that about 10 cases of sexual or gender-based violence are reported daily across the country, with minors accounting for eight out of every 10 incidents.

The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties

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