The Amnesty International Nigeria Supporters Group in Osun State has urged stakeholders to take decisive steps in addressing the alarming rise in femicide across the country.
Speaking during a street awareness walk to mark International Women’s Day, the Osun State Coordinator of the Group, Joshua Oyebode, lamented the increasingly hostile environment for women in Nigeria. He revealed that 149 women were murdered in the country in 2024 alone, underscoring the urgency of tackling gender-based violence.
Dressed in black T-shirts with the message ‘Stop Femicide’, participants marched through major streets in Osogbo, drawing public attention to the social menace. Oyebode emphasized that the walk aimed to raise awareness and inspire collective action against the indiscriminate killing of women.
Quoting United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) statistics, Oyebode highlighted that globally, 140 women and girls lose their lives daily to gender-based violence. He stressed that ending femicide requires public consciousness and a united effort from individuals, communities, and the government.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s existing legal framework, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and provisions in the Nigerian Criminal Code and Constitution, Oyebode called for stronger enforcement rather than just legislative measures.
He urged authorities to address gaps in implementation and ensure that laws protecting women’s rights are effectively upheld.
The awareness walk ended at Olaiya Area of Osogbo, with a renewed commitment from advocates to keep pushing for justice, accountability, and stronger protective measures for Nigerian women.
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