Kwara’s quiet war against gender-based violence

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Behind closed doors, far too many women and children in Kwara have endured violence in silence. But change is unfolding slowly and steadily, as survivors begin to speak out with growing courage. Their voices are being met with support, not suspicion, and institutions are finally rising to meet the moment.

For decades, issues like rape, domestic abuse, abandonment, and intimidation were spoken of only in whispers. Many victims stayed quiet. Justice was rare. But today, a quiet shift is underway.

As of August 2024, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), through its Gender Unit in Kwara, recorded 159 GBV cases in a single year — a figure that underscores both the scale of the problem and the growing trust in support systems. These included 76 cases of domestic violence, 58 of abandonment, 12 of threats to life, and 11 of sexual assault and rape. Notably, two cases involved missing children.

“This is no longer a society where such crimes are swept under the rug,” said NSCDC Commandant Dr. Umar Mohammed. “Several cases are already in court, and we’re committed to ensuring justice is served. Gender-based violence is a crime — and we treat it as such.”

The NSCDC isn’t alone. Kwara’s Ministry of Women Affairs, under Commissioner Folashade Oluwakemi, has become a vocal force in addressing GBV. In just the first quarter of 2025, the ministry recorded 75 sexual and gender-based violence cases, with 50 involving children who were molested or abused and women abandoned or facing contested paternity cases. So far, seven offenders have been successfully prosecuted, thanks to cooperation between the ministry, the NSCDC, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Ministry of Justice.

Beyond prosecution, the ministry is focusing on healing and prevention. A shelter has been established at the Stella Obasanjo Arena to house survivors, while the state now hosts two Sexual Assault Referral Centres — one at the state general hospital and another at Alagbado Specialist Hospital — where victims receive medical, legal, and psychological support.

“This isn’t just about punishment,” Oluwakemi explained. “It’s about protecting our most vulnerable and ensuring that survivors can begin the process of recovery in safety and dignity.”

As awareness spreads, the silence is breaking. In every report filed, every case prosecuted, and every survivor sheltered, Kwara is sending a clear message: gender-based violence will no longer be tolerated — and every victim matters.