Women Affairs Minister Seeks Immediate End to Killings, Sexual Abuse, Violence Against Women, Others

•Warns ‘enough is enough’ 

•Police intensify anti-human trafficking operation, rescue over 207 minors across Nigeria

Michael Olugbode and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has condemned the recent killings, sexual abuses, and violence perpetrated against women, children and vulnerable groups in the country, saying “enough is enough”.

In a strongly worded statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, on Monday in Abuja, the minister also promised to, among others, strengthen national response for social protection of women, children, and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

According to the statement, the minister is deeply disturbed by the increasing cases of sexual assault, physical violence, emotional abuse, child trafficking, and online exploitation of morals within schools, homes and communities.

Relatedly, the Nigeria Police said their operatives had intensified their initiatives to combat human trafficking and the operation of illegal baby factories in the country.

The police also revealed that the new vigour against human trafficking and routine raid of suspected illegal baby factories had resulted in the rescue of more than 207 abducted children from suspected traffickers nationwide.

While declaring, “Enough is Enough”, the women affairs minister said, “Violence against women and children must be stopped with immediate effect.

“We have a moral and legal obligation to protect our women, children, and other vulnerable groups from all forms of abuse and violence.

“The reports of violence against children are not only heart-breaking but also a grave violation of their fundamental rights. Every child deserves to live in a safe, secure and nurturing environment free from fear, violence, and abuse.

“Schools, homes, and communities should be sanctuaries and not places of torment.

“We are, therefore, taking immediate, decisive, and drastic action against all perpetrators of these acts as crimes of this nature violate the very essence of our societal values.

“We are working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to review existing legislations, including the Child Rights Act of 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAAP), to introduce severe penalties for offenders and ensure stronger enforcement, while developing the National Social Protection Policy to enhance protection frameworks and institutionalise comprehensive strategies for national safeguards.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed, “The ministry has also activated all available child protection mechanisms and is working very closely with justice actors, law enforcement, and all stakeholders to strengthen coordination in addressing these crimes.

“Furthermore, the ministry is focused on establishing the necessary reporting mechanisms and crisis management centres to help citizens recognise, report, and seek help from abuse through helplines, school-based programs, psycho-social support, and community sensitisation initiatives.

“We believe in a holistic approach to prevention and intervention, and we are committed to creating a safer environment for our women, children and vulnerable citizens.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that with the strong backing of President Bola Tinubu, who had committed to a zero-tolerance policy on violence, the ministry was accelerating efforts to ensure that the protection of women, children, and vulnerable groups remained a top priority in Nigeria.

She stated, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is built on equity, justice, and protection for all citizens. We call on all Nigerians to join us in this crucial fight to eradicate violence and all forms of abuse from our society.”

On its part, the police said a significant breakthrough was achieved with the arrest of a syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking by the Ondo State Police Command, following intelligence regarding a missing child at Okuta Elerin-Nla, Akure.

A statement by force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the operatives apprehended members of the syndicate, identified as Abosede Olanipekun, female; Lukman Isiaka, male; and Sabira Izuorah, female, and rescued 14 children between the ages of one week and seven years.

Adejobi stressed that the success of the operations was a significant blow to those who threatened the country’s security, and contributed to the overall efforts of the police to enhance public safety.

He recalled that on January 18, police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command got information about a group of armed bandits holding a strategic meeting for a possible attack at a forest in Budon, Kogi State.

He said, “Gallant operatives of the command were mobilised and deployed to the scene. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits engaged the police operatives in a fierce gun duel.

“Fortunately, the bandits were overpowered, with one bandit neutralised and four others arrested.

“The operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition and two motorcycles.

“Similarly, on same January 18th 2025, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State, that some suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, were headed to attack Ruwan Doruwa Village, Dutsinma LGA of the state”.

Adejobi stated that upon receipt of the call, police operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, mobilised and intercepted the armed bandits, and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, leading to the neutralisation of seven of the bandits, with the rest of the gang fleeing and abandoning 109 livestock suspected to be rustled animals.

Stressing that the police will remain steadfast and committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, Adejobi assured that the force will continue to take a firm stance against criminal activities and ensure that offenders were brought to justice.

He reaffirmed the role of the police as the protector of peace and security of the society.