Nigeria Must Do More to Protect Children and Women From Sexual Violence

Reports of rape, child defilement and other forms of sexual abuse across Nigeria demand urgent action. Behind every case is a child robbed of innocence or a woman whose safety, dignity and confidence have been violated. Parents and guardians must teach children, in age-appropriate ways, about bodily boundaries and safe reporting. Schools, religious institutions and community organisations must also adopt clear safeguarding systems and treat allegations seriously instead of protecting adults or institutional reputations. Women must never be blamed for sexual violence. Consent must be freely given, and silence, fear or an inability to resist cannot be treated as consent. Survivors need accessible medical care, counselling, legal aid and safe reporting channels, while investigations and prosecutions must be professional, prompt and fair. We call on governments, law-enforcement agencies, the judiciary and communities to prioritise prevention, survivor support and accountability. Nigeria must stop shielding alleged offenders and make the safety of children and women a national responsibility.

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