Stakeholders in Lagos State have raised alarm over the rising cases of femicide, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to families, communities, and society if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking in Lagos, the stakeholders identified domestic violence as a major driver of the disturbing pattern, with several incidents recorded from January to date.
Mrs. Ololade Ajayi, Founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, revealed that more than 140 verified cases of femicide had been documented nationwide in the first nine months of the year.
She called for a specific law addressing femicide and attempted femicide, with provisions for strict punishments, safe shelters, and stronger law enforcement.
The Lagos State Police Command recently arrested a man for allegedly killing his girlfriend in the Oko-Oba area on September 3.
Earlier, on July 17, police apprehended another man accused of murdering his girlfriend in a hotel in Ayobo.
Stakeholders urged swift government intervention, stressing that preventing femicide requires a combination of legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and stronger community support systems.
Writing by Wahre Bello