Stakeholders have expressed concern over the growing cases of femicide in Lagos State, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to families and communities if not urgently addressed.
Femicide, defined as the intentional killing of women or girls because of their gender, has been on the rise despite awareness campaigns against gender-based violence.
Recent incidents in Lagos include the killing of women by their partners in Oko-Oba, Ayobo, Badagry, and Alimosho, with suspects arrested by the police for stabbing, beating, or attacking their victims during disputes.
According to the Lagos-based NGO DOHS Cares Foundation, more than 140 cases of femicide have been recorded across Nigeria in the first nine months of 2025. Its founder, Mrs Ololade Ajayi, blamed the development on patriarchy, gender stereotypes, and cultural norms that treat women as property. She called for a specific law criminalising femicide with strict punishments for offenders.
Security expert Christopher Oji identified jealousy, infidelity, economic hardship, drug abuse, and childhood exposure to violence as some of the causes of femicide. He advised couples to choose separation or divorce instead of resorting to violence and urged religious and community leaders to promote healthy marriages.
Legal practitioner Mrs Kemi Ojo urged victims of abusive relationships to prioritise their safety and leave immediately. She also emphasised the importance of counselling, conflict resolution, and public education on the dangers of domestic violence.
Stakeholders concluded that urgent legal reforms, safe shelters, and community sensitisation are necessary to curb the rising tide of gender-based killings in Lagos and Nigeria at large.
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