… Says 1,255 Cases Linked To Relatives, 630 Tied To Religious Leaders
…Warns Of “Betrayal Of Trust” As Violence Rises Nationwide
Daud Olatunji
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised alarm over a sharp rise in gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria, disclosing that 2,755 cases were recorded nationwide between January and April 2026.
The Commission said the figure, averaging more than 20 reported incidents daily, signals a deepening protection crisis for women, girls and other vulnerable groups, with a significant number of perpetrators found within homes and religious institutions.
The disclosure was made on Thursday in Abuja during a National Consultative Workshop on GBV and IPV programming under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8), organised with support from international development partners and Nigerian government agencies.
… Family, Religious Spaces Emerge Major Hotspots
According to the NHRC, 1,255 of the recorded cases were allegedly committed by family members, while 630 involved religious leaders.
The Commission described the findings as a “disturbing betrayal of trust,” warning that environments traditionally regarded as safe are increasingly becoming centres of abuse.
Officials also linked the rising cases to worsening insecurity across the country, including insurgency in the North-East and banditry in other regions, which they said has heightened the vulnerability of women and girls to exploitation and violence.
… “GBV Is Not Just Statistics” — NHRC
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC cautioned against treating gender-based violence as mere data, stressing the need for stronger prevention systems and improved survivor support services.
“We don’t want to treat them as mere statistics or human rights data. Effective programming requires prevention systems, accessible reporting channels, quality health and psychosocial support services, legal protection, and accountability for perpetrators,” the Commission said.
It added that weak institutional coordination and inadequate funding continue to undermine Nigeria’s national response to GBV.
… International Partners Warn Of Weak Enforcement
The workshop brought together stakeholders, including the UNDP, UNAIDS, UNFPA, the Global Fund, as well as Nigeria’s Ministries of Justice, Health, and Women Affairs.
Development partners noted that although Nigeria has strong legal frameworks on GBV, enforcement remains weak and fragmented, allowing widespread impunity.
UNAIDS Country Director, Krittayawan Tina Boonto, said official statistics likely represent only a fraction of actual cases, warning that underreporting remains a major challenge.
… Violence Worsens HIV, TB Burden — Officials
Senior government officials also raised concerns over the link between GBV and Nigeria’s worsening HIV and tuberculosis (TB) burden.
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