The Ogun State government has raised fresh concerns over the growing incidence of gender-based violence, revealing that the state documented 502 cases between January and November 2025.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Adeleye, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abeokuta held after an advocacy walk led by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun. The walk marked the close of the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Adeleye said the numbers were “deeply troubling” and reflect a crisis that continues to affect women, girls and other vulnerable groups in the state. She explained that the reported cases cut across sexual violence, domestic abuse, child molestation, digital harassment and intimate partner violence.

“We have managed over 502 reported cases of gender-based violence across Ogun State this year,” she said. “Of these, 120 cases were recorded at our Sexual Assault Referral Centres, while others came in through our area offices and partner organisations. These cases include sexual violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, digital abuse, incest, child neglect and physical assault.”

Adeleye said only two cases have so far resulted in convictions, while 28 cases are at various stages of trial in different courts. She warned that the figures represent only a fraction of the true situation, as many survivors still avoid reporting due to fear, stigma and social pressure.

“These numbers are only the cases that reached us. Many victims remain silent because they are afraid of being blamed, shamed or ignored,” she said. “But the rise in reporting also shows that our systems are becoming more accessible and that more survivors are willing to seek help.”

The commissioner expressed concern over the increasing rate of digital-related abuse, noting that technology has “created new channels for perpetrators to threaten, bully and exploit victims remotely.” She pointed to cyberbullying, sextortion, impersonation and online grooming as some of the most common forms reported in the state.

Speaking on the theme of the 2025 campaign, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls”, Adeleye said online risks have placed young people at heightened vulnerability. “We are seeing more cases where teenagers are lured, manipulated or threatened online. The digital space has expanded the scope of violence in ways that require urgent action,” she said.

Adeleye highlighted several efforts by the state government, working alongside the State Economic Transformation Project and the United Nations Population Fund, to combat gender-based violence. These initiatives include strengthening sexual assault referral centres, creating safe shelters, and training police officers, teachers, healthcare workers and social workers on digital safety and survivor-centred response.

She added that the ministry had stepped up sensitisation campaigns across rural and urban communities by engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders and schools to challenge cultural norms that enable violence.

Despite the progress, Adeleye said several obstacles continue to hinder effective response. She named slow judicial processes, family interference, insufficient funding for survivor services and poor inter-agency coordination as major challenges. She urged the state to consider establishing special courts for GBV cases and revisit existing laws.

“We need special courts for GBV cases because delays often discourage survivors and weaken prosecution,” she said. “We are also calling for safe termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and incest. And rape should be classified as a non-bailable offence because when suspects get bail, many survivors face intimidation.”

Adeleye encouraged parents, educators, digital platforms and community leaders to help safeguard children, especially online. She also called on men to play a more active role in prevention efforts. “Ending violence is not a women’s project. It requires the willingness of men to unlearn harmful behaviours and challenge other men who enable abuse,” she said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening toll-free reporting lines, shelters and referral centres so survivors can access help without barriers.

After the advocacy walk, the wife of the governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, and Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele echoed the call for stiffer punishment for sexual offenders. They said harsher penalties would help deter perpetrators and support the state’s campaign to reduce violence.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global event observed from November 25 to December 10 to promote awareness and encourage action to protect women, girls and other vulnerable individuals.