The Take It Back Movement (TIB), a human rights and pro-democracy group held a press conference at the International Press Centre in Lagos on July 17, 2024, to address the rising incidence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the head of its Gender department, Omolola Pedro, vehemently condemned the rise in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, calling it “intolerable” and “unacceptable.” Highlighting the serious consequences of SGBV on victims, families, and society as a whole, TIB urged the government, community leaders, and other stakeholders to take swift and decisive action to protect women, men, and children from violence, and to hold perpetrators accountable.
The statement read, “The Take It Back (TIB) Movement is deeply concerned and alarmed by the escalating cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. The recent surge in reported cases is a stark reminder of the entrenched impunity and lack of effective measures to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
“We recall the horrific cases of sexual and gender-based violence that have shaken the nation in the last one year.”
To lend weight to their call for action, TIB presented a grim litany of SGBV cases handled in various Nigerian states such as Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. By humanizing these cases and shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the movement sought to personalize the impact of SGBV and to emphasize the pressing need for concrete steps to end these violations.
“Ekiti, 2023: Dr. Olubiyi Olaolu Abidemi, the former Chief Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was suspended in September 2023 for physically assaulting his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Olubiyi Adenike. The victim, who is also a lecturer at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, sustained serious injuries, including a neck injury, from the attack. The assault allegedly occurred when Dr. (Mrs.) Olubiyi Adenike refused her husband’s order to care for his pregnant mistress. The case which is currently in court is being stifled by the Ekiti state government, who is more interested in protecting the image of its CMD, and would not mind denying the victim, justice.
Lagos, 2023: murder of Miss Augusta Osedion by her romantic partner, Benjamin Best, also known as Killaboi, who is yet to face prosecution , despite confessing on social media.
Lagos, 2024: The sexual assault culture in College of Medicine, University of Lagos(CMUL),
- Oluwagbemileke Otokiti: a pharmacy student who sexually assaulted a fellow student in March 2024, and was fined ₦5000, but was allowed to continue studying.
- Samuel Adigwe: another pharmacy student who sexually harassed a female radiography student on June 26, 2024.
– Chibueze Nwanmah: a medical student who has allegedly assaulted over thirty female students, and was reported to the school authorities in October 2023, but still faces no consequences.
Oyo, 2024: The rape and defilement of an 8 year old girl at Tose area of Moniya, Ibadan, where the perpetrator Beto is currently on the run and yet to face prosecution, despite making a video confession.
Lagos, 2024: Opeyemi lost her life after Fatai Mogaji stabbed her multiple times and sustained 22 stab wounds, including severe injuries to her eyes and other parts of her body.
Lagos, 2024: The rape of a 17 year old in a police station by a serving police officer attached to Ogudu Police Station , Lagos state.
Abuja, 2024: A 3-year-old girl enrolled in The School For The Deaf Kuje, Abuja, to learn sign language came home with bruises on her vagina. This is a child living with disability was sexually assaulted by a teacher.
These are just a few examples of the many incidents that have left families, friends and communities devastated. How much more the unreported ones!”
The movement went on to describe the disturbing prevalence of violence against women and girls in Nigeria, spotlighting the pattern of impunity, police complicity, and a cultural milieu of fear, silence, and injustice that persists despite public outrage and government pledges to take action.
“Every day, there are reported cases of violence against women and girls across the country and the police not only being complicit, are also perpetrators too.
“These cases demonstrate a disturbing pattern of violence and impunity, which continues to perpetuate a culture of fear, silence and injustice.
Despite the outcry and promises of action, the situation remains dire. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in SGBV cases, including rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, and even worse, murder and homicide.
“The victims include women, girls, and marginalized individuals who are often left to suffer in silence. The perpetrators, often known to the victims, continue to act with impunity, emboldened by a system that fails to hold them accountable and face the consequences of their actions.”
Urging the government to act swiftly and decisively in tackling the grave SGBV crisis, the Take It Back Movement put forth a list of demands.
“The Take It Back (TIB) Movement urges the Nigerian government to take immediate and concrete steps to address this crisis. We demand:
- Strengthening of laws and policies to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable, including the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill in all states.
- Increased support services for survivors, including counseling, healthcare, legal assistance, and access to safe houses.
- Launch of a national awareness campaign to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote consent, healthy relationships, and non-violent relationships.
“We call on all Nigerians to join us in condemning SGBV and demanding action to create a society where everyone can live with dignity and respect. We urge the government to:
- Declare a national emergency on SGBV
- Establish a presidential task force on SGBV
- Increase funding for SGBV prevention and response programs
- Ensure access to justice and support services for survivors.
We will continue to monitor the situation and hold the government accountable for its actions. Enough is enough. It’s time for change.”
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