Femicide is more than a statistic; it is a brutal reminder of how deeply entrenched gender-based violence remains across societies. Every day, women and girls lose their lives simply because they are women, often at the hands of intimate partners or within communities that fail to protect them. Despite growing awareness, femicide continues to be normalised, underreported, and, in too many cases, dismissed as private or domestic disputes rather than the grave human rights violations they are. To confront this silent epidemic, it is necessary to move beyond numbers and acknowledge the systemic inequalities, cultural norms, and weak institutional responses that allow it to persist.
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 of 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 in Nigeria. 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 June and July, we found twenty-eight cases of femicide reported in the country. Thirteen cases were found in June, and fifteen cases were found in July. These incidents were reported in Abuja (3), Adamawa (1), Akwa Ibom (1), Anambra (1), Bayelsa (1), Borno (1), Delta (2), Ebonyi (1), Edo (2), Enugu (2), Jigawa (1), Kano (1), Kogi (1), Kwara (1), Lagos (2), Niger (1), Ogun (1), Ondo (3), Osun (1), and Yobe (1).
In June, intimate partner violence was the highest reported case (61.5%), followed by non-intimate partner violence (30.8%) and domestic violence (7.7%). Intimate partner violence affected women between the ages of 21 – 40, and non-intimate partner violence women and girls between the ages of 18 and 60.
In July, intimate partner violence was the highest reported case (40%), followed by non-intimate partner violence (33.3%) and domestic violence (26.7%). Intimate partner violence affected women between the ages of 22 – 43, and non-intimate partner violence women and girls between the ages of 22 and 55.
Osato Festus Edogiaweria was killed by her boyfriend, Joshua Osaigbov,o during a dispute.
Hauwa was killed by her husband, Mohammed Sani, while pregnant.
Grace Godwin and Freda Arnong were killed by one chance operatives in Abuja.
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.
Click on this link to view our femicide dashboard.
