Nigeria’s Women Minister Decries recent upsurge in violence against women and children, Condemns Gruesome murder of Salome
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has condemned the recent surge in violence against women and children, declaring “Enough is Enough!” She expressed deep disturbance over increasing cases of sexual assault, physical violence, emotional abuse, child trafficking, and online exploitation.
The Minister promised to strengthen national response for social protection of women, children, and vulnerable groups, and to review existing legislations to introduce severe penalties for offenders. She emphasized the need for a holistic approach to prevention and intervention, and called on all Nigerians to join the fight against violence and abuse.
In a separate statement, Sulaiman-Ibrahim condemned the gruesome murder of Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps member, by her estranged lover in Nasarawa State. She demanded justice for Salome and her family, and called on parents and communities to take ownership of the safety and protection of women and girls.
According to the UN Women Data Hub, violence against women and girls is a prevalent human rights violation, affecting one in three women worldwide.¹ The Minister’s call to action is a step towards creating a society where women and girls can live free from fear of violence and abuse.
