ABEOkUTA – Ogun State has recorded at least 502 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) so far in 2025, highlighting a growing threat to women, girls, and vulnerable groups across the state.
The figure was disclosed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, during an interview shortly after an advocacy walk held in Abeokuta in commemoration of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
Adeleye said the figure underscores “the alarming and deepening crisis affecting women, girls, and vulnerable persons.”
She explained that out of the 502 cases, 120 were reported at the State’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), while the remaining cases were documented through area offices and partner organisations.
Describing the numbers as “deeply troubling,” the commissioner stressed that they capture only the portion of cases that reached government channels, as many women and children remain silent “out of fear, stigma, or social pressure.”
She noted that the rise in cases reflects both the persistence of violence and the growing willingness of survivors to seek help due to improved reporting systems.
Adeleye also drew attention to the surge in digital-related abuse, including cyberbullying, online harassment, sextortion, and impersonation.
Speaking on the year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” she said: “Technology has created a new frontier for abuse, allowing perpetrators to target victims remotely and anonymously. The growing digital exposure of young people has left many vulnerable to online grooming, extortion and emotional manipulation.”
To address the rising numbers, the commissioner highlighted several interventions by the Ministry in partnership with the State Economic Transformation Project and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
These include strengthening the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), expanding temporary shelters, and intensive capacity-building for law enforcement officers, teachers, health workers, and social workers on digital safety and GBV response.
She further noted that the Ministry expanded state-wide sensitisation programmes in both rural and urban communities, engaging traditional institutions, religious bodies, and schools to dismantle cultural practices that normalise violence.
She added that Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) was strengthened to help young people understand personal safety, consent, and digital responsibility.
Adeleye identified major institutional challenges undermining progress, including slow judicial processes, family interference, underfunded survivor services, and weak inter-agency coordination.
Citing a recent defilement case of two minors, she said: “Despite evidence and medical reports, the perpetrator has not been apprehended.”
She also advocated for bold legal reforms to better support survivors, including safe termination options for rape and incest survivors, and pressed for rape to be formally classified as a non-bailable offence, arguing that “granting bail often exposes survivors to intimidation and derails investigations.”
Urging parents, teachers, digital platforms, and community leaders to take greater responsibility for safeguarding children, Adeleye encouraged men to act as allies in challenging harmful norms and supporting a violence-free society.
She stated that GBV prevention requires collective effort and affirmed that the State would continue to strengthen its toll-free reporting lines, shelters, and referral centres.
Earlier, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, and the Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, expressed the commitment of the government to put in measures to reduce GBV cases in the state.
