Concerns Mount Among Stakeholders as Killings of Women, Girls Surge in Lagos

Stakeholders in Lagos State have raised the alarms over the rising incidents of killings involving women and girls, calling for urgent government action to protect vulnerable populations.

At a recent advocacy forum, Mrs. Folake Adepoju, a women’s rights activist, stressed that current laws, which treat these crimes under general murder statutes, fail to address the gender-specific nature of such offenses.

“Femicide is a distinct crime and must be treated as such. Women and girls face unique threats, and the law must reflect that,” Mrs. Adepoju said.

Mr. Emmanuel Okoro, a legal expert, urged the Lagos State Government to enact a dedicated law criminalizing femicide to ensure perpetrators face appropriate justice.

He also called for specialized investigative units within law enforcement to handle crimes against women more effectively.

Ms. Funke Adebayo, representing a human rights group, highlighted the need for stronger community protection mechanisms and improved reporting systems for victims of gender-based violence.

The stakeholders emphasized that these killings are symptomatic of deeper societal issues, including entrenched gender discrimination and violence.

They warned that without urgent interventions, women and girls in Lagos will continue to be at heightened risk.

The call for action comes amid growing public concern over recent high-profile cases of violence against women in the state. Lagos State authorities have yet to release a formal response, but advocacy groups hope this renewed push will prompt actionable measures to curb the rising trend of femicide.