Over 1,000 Rape, GBV Cases Recorded in Niger State Since January

Over 1,000 cases of rape and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been recorded in Niger State between January and July 2025, according to official reports from the state's Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Mrs. Mary Isa, Director of Planning and Gender-Based Focal Person at the Ministry, revealed that these cases were compiled from various NGOs onto a central dashboard for tracking and reporting to the National Dashboard.

"The ministry has been conducting sensitization programmes in markets, mechanic workshops, Emirate Councils, and schools to raise awareness about GBV and encourage victims to report to relevant authorities," Isa stated.

Despite these efforts, the ministry faces significant challenges in bringing perpetrators to justice. Only a small number of culprits have been arrested, with many cases being settled at the family level rather than through legal channels.

This cultural tendency to handle rape cases privately instead of pursuing legal action has hampered the effectiveness of anti-GBV initiatives in the state, according to officials.

The ministry has established a network of service providers across all 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State who are trained to receive and process reports of various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional violence.

The alarming figures highlight the persistent challenge of gender-based violence in northern Nigeria, where traditional practices and stigma often prevent victims from seeking justice through official channels.

Experts suggest that the actual number of GBV cases may be significantly higher than reported, as many incidents go unreported due to fear, shame, or family pressure.

The Ministry of Women Affairs continues to collaborate with security agencies and civil society organizations to strengthen response mechanisms and create safer environments for women and girls across the state.

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