By Maryam Afolabi
Barely two months into 2025, Nigeria has already recorded multiple horrific cases of violence against women. In just three weeks, the media has reported shocking incidents of brutality—women murdered, assaulted, and abused in different parts of the country.
These cases are not isolated. They are part of a disturbing pattern that continues to undermine efforts toward gender equality and women’s rights. Just months ago, the world marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, an occasion meant to reaffirm global commitment to ending gender-based violence. Yet, in Nigeria, the reality tells a different story—one where women remain unsafe, living in fear of the very people who should protect them.
A Growing Epidemic: Six Cases, One Message
Here are just a few examples of the brutality women have faced in early 2025 alone:
Mother Murdered by Her Own Son
In Delta State, a young man was arrested for allegedly killing his own mother. The reasons behind this tragic act remain unclear, but it highlights the growing trend of domestic violence, even within families. (Vanguard)
Lagos Shop Attendant Brutally Beaten
In Lagos, three men were arrested for mercilessly assaulting a female shop attendant. Such attacks on women in public spaces emphasize the lack of safety women face daily. (City Voice)
A Gospel Singer’s Gruesome Act
In one of the most shocking cases, a gospel singer was arrested after carrying around his girlfriend’s severed head in a bag. This horrific murder has sent chills across the country, raising concerns about the mental state of some perpetrators of gender-based violence. (Times of India)
Stray Bullet Claims a Woman’s Life
In Bayelsa, a woman was killed by a stray bullet during a cult clash, showing how women often become unintended victims of violence in a society where insecurity prevails. (Punch)
Serial Rapist Strikes Again
A man who had just completed a jail term for rape was re-arrested for sexually assaulting another woman, underscoring the failure of rehabilitation and the justice system in preventing repeat offenders. (The Nation)
Husband Sets Wife Ablaze Over Alleged Infidelity
In Anambra, a husband burned his wife alive over accusations of infidelity, another example of how some men see violence as the ultimate way to assert dominance over women. (Punch)
Each of these stories reflects the deep-seated issues of gender-based violence, toxic masculinity, and systemic failures that continue to endanger women in Nigeria.
The Dangerous Beliefs Fueling Gender-Based Violence
Beyond these violent acts, the belief systems and cultural norms that justify abuse are equally alarming. In recent years, the rise of “Alpha Male” ideology has worsened the situation. Promoted by many young men on social media, this ideology encourages male dominance and female submission in relationships. While originally meant to encourage leadership, it has been misinterpreted to promote control, emotional abuse, and even physical violence against women.
Many abusers also hide behind religion and tradition to justify their actions. Some claim that their faith permits them to control their wives or punish them for perceived disobedience. This is further compounded by the reluctance of some religious and cultural institutions to support women seeking to escape abusive relationships. Instead of prioritizing victims’ safety, they encourage women to “endure” their suffering for the sake of family or societal expectations.
Even more troubling is the continued use of women in ritual killings. Despite advancements in education and human rights advocacy, reports still surface of women being murdered for money-making rituals. This gruesome reality reflects the failure of the legal system to address deeply rooted cultural practices that endanger women’s lives.
When Laws Fail, Women Suffer
In 2022, I wrote two articles:
Domestic Violence: A Product of Society and Culture
Women: Spice of Life or Endangered Species?
Both articles highlighted the increasing brutality against women in Nigeria and questioned whether existing laws were doing enough to protect them. Unfortunately, three years later, the situation seems to be worsening.
Despite legal provisions such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015, enforcement remains weak. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault often struggle to get justice due to police inefficiency, societal stigma, and lengthy legal processes. In some cases, perpetrators walk free due to corruption or lack of evidence, discouraging other victims from speaking out.
The Way Forward: Breaking the Cycle
The alarming trend of violence against women calls for urgent and sustained action. To create a safer society for women, the following steps must be taken:
Stronger Legal Enforcement: Laws must not just exist on paper but be actively enforced. Perpetrators of violence must face swift and strict justice to serve as a deterrent.
Public Awareness and Education: Schools, media, and religious institutions must play a role in reshaping societal perceptions of gender roles and relationships.
Social Media Regulation: The rise of toxic masculinity movements online calls for monitoring and counter-narratives that promote gender equality.
Better Support Systems for Victims: Safe shelters, counseling services, and legal aid must be accessible to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
Community Engagement: Families, community leaders, and faith-based organizations must speak up against gender-based violence and support victims rather than protect abusers.
Conclusion
The current wave of violence against women in Nigeria is not just a crisis—it is an epidemic. It is a reflection of a society that has continuously failed to protect its most vulnerable members. The question remains: how many more women must suffer before meaningful change is achieved?
We must stop normalizing violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and create a culture where women feel safe, valued, and protected.
The time for action is now.
Maryam Afolabi writes from Ilorin
You can reach her at 08130047863
