Lagos Govt raises alarm over rising sexual violence cases

August 31, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Lagos State Government has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of sexual and gender-based violence in the state, particularly in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.

According to the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, the number of cases recorded in the last four years is worrisome.

He made this known at a news conference in Ikeja to announce the state’s 2024 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

The theme of this year’s awareness month is “SGBV, Not On My Watch.” Pedro, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Hammed Oyenuga, emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue.

According to him, “We chose to take our sensitisation programme to Ajeromi-Ifelodun because the number of cases that we have recorded in the last four years is worrisome.

“The theme of this year’s activities is, ‘SGBV, Not On My Watch’. This is based on the compelling need to ensure that residents realise that ending the menace of SGBV is indeed a collective effort, which requires the support and collaboration of all members of society.

“We, therefore, intend to engage all demographics, including men, women and children,” he said.

To tackle the problem, the state government has chosen to take its sensitization program to Ajeromi-Ifelodun, where the number of cases is particularly high. The government is working to raise awareness and support for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.