Enugu Experiences Sharp Rise in Gender-Based Violence Cases

Enugu State has reported a significant increase in gender-based violence (GBV) incidents, with 1,086 cases recorded over a three-month period.

Officials from the state’s GBV task force revealed the figures at a recent press briefing, noting that the numbers average more than 20 reports each day. They highlighted that this surge indicates both the persistence of violence and growing trust in the state’s reporting system, which was launched late last year.

Since its inception in December 2025, the task force has worked with the police to arrest 218 individuals connected to the cases. Currently, 32 matters are before the courts, and 18 suspects have been remanded in the Enugu State Correctional Centre.

Support services have also been extended to survivors, with dozens receiving medical care and legal assistance. In one operation, authorities rescued 114 girls from sexual exploitation and forced prostitution during raids on several hotels in the state.

Officials, however, expressed concern over the absence of a functional rehabilitation center for victims, noting that many rescued girls have returned to precarious environments. The task force urged federal and state leaders to support ongoing prevention and response efforts, including reopening a long-closed juvenile rehabilitation institute and providing necessary resources for sustained action.