News
Rape, gender-based violence, drugs use rates high in Oyo Communities – Study
Researchers working on the Global Affairs Canada landscape analysis on sexual and gender-based violence in Oyo state have found high rate of rape in Iseyin and Ogbomoso communities.
The team of experts which has Oyo State Coordinator for the UNFPA-GAC survey, Dr Adebimpe Adenugba, the Gender Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA, Dr Esther Somefun, Drs O.B Babalola, O.K Oyelade and Usman Ojedokun reported that drugs and alcohol consumption contribute to gender based violence in rural and rural-urban communities of the state than in urban areas.
According to them, women in interior communities of Oyo State suffer high level of rape, assault, abuse among other vices.
These were part of a preliminary report submitted to the Oyo state Ministry of Health at the Exit/Validation meeting with stakeholders on Global Affairs Canada Landscape Analysis on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Harmful Traditional Practices and Obstetrics Fistula in the state.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the research was executed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sokoto, Bauchi and Oyo States.
Although the GAC LGAs in the state are Ogbomosho West, Oyo South, Ibadan North, Kajola and Ibarapa North West the UNFPA-GAC survey was carried out in 11 council areas including: Saki East, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Surulere and Iwajowa.
Others are: Afijio, Ibadan North, Ibadan South West, Oluyole, Egbeda and Ibadan North East.
State Coordinator for the UNFPA-GAC survey, Dr Adebimpe Adenugba disclosed that women reported not enjoying any form of rights noting that women reported that their men were not living up to family responsibilities.
She noted that women still continue to face harmful traditional practices
Adenugba also noted that drug and alcoholism were discovered to be in high use which often times lead to the abuse of the women and girls child.
Speaking on the issue of rape in the affected communities, the Gender Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA, Dr Esther Somefun said “Yes, they said rape is consistent and is common. Apart from husband raping their wives, there is also child rape, adult rape and elderly rape. They said the children especially are vulnerable because during a period like this with high rate of poverty, they had to send their children hawking, so child labour causes rape. So there’s high rate of rape in Iseyin and Ogbomosho communities”
Somefun who also doubles as the Oyo state program officer for GAC project noted that the purpose of the study was to find out the harmful traditional practices and the rate of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Oyo State as there is no exclusive data on GBV in Oyo State and country in general, adding that the effort will go a long way in making data available for researchers in subsequent efforts.
“In the immediate, in Oyo State, the VAPP law is in place but is yet to be implemented by the court, and its prohibition acts on all persons. So if that law can be implemented immediately, there will be a solution and also we want the government to sensitize the community.
“Where we reported, it seems these SGBVs are dying down more in the urban than in the rural. But there is still some part of the urban that’s still experiencing it. Where we call the rural-urban like the Beere, Foko side are still experiencing it, but when we talk about the urban, it seems to have gone down a bit.
“But when government sensitize, let the police do their work, they should not kill cases. They report cases in police stations yet some people ensure it dies down.
“Religion has a lot to do with this. Religion and cultural practices have been a cover for SGBV. People we spoke to said even some religious leaders also perpetrate this evil. And they use religion to cover a lot of things. So I think religion is the major factor because of this culture of silence and stigma.”
They then called for more sensitisation and enlightenment of the people especially, the male folks in the communities so as to help more women live dignified lives.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo state Ministry of Health, Dr Adebisi Ayoola assures that the government will look into the preliminary report and take immediate measures to address the challenges before the final report would be submitted.
Oyo state government has been urged to facilitate the immediate and prompt implementation of the Violence Against People Prohibition (VAPP) law as a way of safeguarding women against endemic ill treatment especially in the core rural areas.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
-
Politics3 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics1 week agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
News3 days agoNERC orders DisCos to refund ₦20.33bn meter costs to customers