Amnesty International Nigeria marked International Women’s Day yesterday with a solidarity walk themed “Accelerate Action Against Femicide.” The event began shortly before 9 AM at Millennium Park, with participants marching down to Gana Street and back.
Following the walk, Country Director Isa Sanusi addressed the growing crisis of femicide in Nigeria, emphasising the urgent need for swift justice in cases involving violence against women.
“When justice is delayed, time is wasted, and the families of victims lose interest in pursuing cases,” Sanusi said. “The public also tends to forget. We don’t want situations like that. Women have to be protected because they are specifically targeted in these crimes.”
When asked about immediate measures to combat femicide, Sanusi highlighted the importance of public awareness and education. “Women should be careful about who they relate with and conduct thorough due diligence,” he advised. “Identifying red flags is crucial—when people recognise warning signs, they can avoid potentially dangerous situations.”
Sanusi expressed grave concern over current trends. “There is no way we can continue as we are now, with women being killed by people they trusted—whether partners, husbands, or relatives. This has to stop. According to our statistics, these incidents are becoming increasingly rampant.”
The director thanked participants for their support and encouraged them to spread awareness through their personal and professional networks. “Continue these conversations in panel discussions, among friends, in WhatsApp groups, and workplaces,” he urged.
Calling for legislative action, Sanusi highlighted the need for severe penalties and swift prosecution. “We must push for timely prosecution of femicide cases, which often drag on until families lose interest. This contributes to the problem, as perpetrators believe they can escape consequences.”
Amnesty International Nigeria plans to expand its efforts beyond yesterday’s event. “The walk we had today is just the beginning,” Sanusi revealed. “We will launch a full-blown campaign on femicide and conduct enlightenment programmes to help women and girls identify potential threats.”
The organisation’s initiative comes amid alarming statistics showing a significant increase in gender-based killings across the country, with recent months seeing a 240 percent rise in femicide cases in January.
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