Albarka Relief Foundation

CSOS DEMAND STRONGER ACTION TO END PHYSICAL, DIGITAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, GIRLS IN KOGI.

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental groups has renewed its call for stronger, more coordinated action to eliminate both physical and digital violence against women and girls in Kogi State.

The coalition held a peaceful road walk in Lokoja as part of activities marking the 2025 Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign aimed at raising awareness and mobilising efforts to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

During the rally, the organisations expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of r**e, assault, and online harassment reported across the state. They noted that tackling gender-based violence requires urgent collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, community leaders, and the public.

Barr. Lilian Okolo, Coalition Team Lead for the Kogi 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, said the campaign seeks to push stakeholders toward stronger commitment and action.

“We are here to demand stronger action. Violence—whether physical or digital—must not be tolerated. Women and girls deserve safety, dignity, and justice.”

Amb. Idris Muraina, Executive Director of the Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF), described the rising cases of r**e and abuse as alarming.

“The statistics of r**e and abuse in Kogi are worrying. We need better reporting systems, care-giving centres, faster prosecution, and community-driven preventive mechanisms.”

Responding to the concerns raised, Hajia Bilikisu Raji, Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups.

“Government is committed to protecting women and children. We will continue to intensify advocacy and work closely with partners to enforce the VAPP law across the state. We assure you that all your demands will be given adequate attention.”

Also speaking, Barr. Joy Akinola, Kogi State Coordinator, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), emphasized the need for justice and legal support for survivors.

“Justice must be accessible to survivors. We are pushing for stronger legal safeguards and more support services for victims of gender-based violence.”

The coalition reiterated that ending gender-based violence requires collective responsibility, sustained advocacy, and continuous public education—especially as digital spaces become increasingly unsafe for women and girls.

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Albarka Relief Foundation (ARF)

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