Lagos records over 6,700 GBV cases, 2,460 get justice

More than 6,700 cases of gender-based violence were reported across Lagos State in 2025, with 2,460 survivors obtaining justice through government-backed interventions, the state government has disclosed. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, revealed the figures during the 2026 ministerial press briefing in Alausa, saying the state had intensified efforts to support victims, prosecute offenders and strengthen protection mechanisms for vulnerable residents. According to Dada, a total of 6,753 gender-based violence cases were reported during the period under review. She said 2,460 survivors secured justice, while 3,099 received recovery and support services through the ministry’s intervention programmes. The commissioner added that 273 survivors benefited from livelihood assistance designed to support their economic recovery and reintegration, while 116 offenders were prosecuted. Dada said the ministry also carried out more than 75,000 preventive interventions across communities as part of efforts to curb violence and raise awareness. The commissioner highlighted the introduction of the Lagos State Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy for tertiary institutions, describing it as a major step towards strengthening reporting mechanisms and creating safer learning environments for students and staff. Related News Man dies after torture by So-Safe officers in Ogun Tinubu receives new Béninoise President Wadagni LG boss urges calm, warns against profiling new arrivals in Lagos communities Beyond violence prevention, Dada said the ministry expanded a range of economic empowerment programmes targeted at women and vulnerable groups. She disclosed that 1,485 women received agricultural training through the state’s Avia Farm initiative in Badagry, while 1,500 beneficiaries were equipped with vocational skills and starter packs under the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme. According to her, another 600 beneficiaries received digital marketing and e-commerce training and were provided with Android phones to support their businesses. The commissioner said over 1,000 widows benefited from empowerment initiatives during the year, while 600 vulnerable households received food support and healthcare services through the ministry’s nutrition and family welfare programmes. Dada said the interventions reflected the government’s commitment to combining economic empowerment with social protection measures aimed at improving the welfare of women and vulnerable residents. “The achievements recorded by the ministry underscore