This report, compiled by DOHS Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence, utilizes data from the Foundation's nationwide femicide tracker dashboard. Confirmed incidents reported across multiple media sources, including The Nation, form the basis of this analysis.
Ololade Ajayi, the founder of DOHS Cares, emphasized that the findings reveal a concerning pattern of violence. The verified statistics indicate that from January to March 2024, 12 women were murdered. Among the deceased was three-year-old Asiya, whose remains were found in Bauchi State, reportedly missing some body parts after her disappearance.
In April 2024, nine women were reported killed, including 100-year-old Aminat, who was fatally attacked by her 67-year-old son, Lukman Adejoju, following a disagreement over palm oil sales.
From May to June 2024, at least 23 women lost their lives. One notable case involved 69-year-old widow Ifeoma Ajuluchukwu, who was beaten into unconsciousness in her home while suffering from an illness.
In July 2024, 16 incidents were documented, including the case of Ifeoma Eze Esther, a first-year student at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, who was pushed from the third floor of a hotel by unidentified assailants.
August 2024 saw the deaths of eight women, including a newborn. Among the victims was nine-year-old Runaisa Sadiq, who was raped and murdered by a pharmacy owner in Kano after her father sought treatment for her malaria.
In September 2024, seven women were killed, including 13-year-old Oriyomi Gboyega, whose severed wrists were discovered with an Islamic cleric.
In October 2024, there were 20 reported cases of violence. One of the victims, 24-year-old Priscilla Ocheme, was discovered deceased after visiting her male acquaintance, Ekosuehi Elvis, on October 21.
While several suspects have been apprehended, numerous offenders are still at large, as indicated in the report.
Ajayi pointed out that the 133 cases documented are only those that have been verified. “We have additional unverified reports, and once these are confirmed, the numbers may rise,” she stated.
She urged the government to enact stricter legislation to prevent, prosecute, and eliminate violence against women, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to protect women and girls from such violence. The report highlights the critical need to address gender-based violence in Nigeria.