The murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, who was killed by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, remains fresh in the minds of many Nigerians, especially her family.
Though justice has been served with the sentencing of Ominikoron to death by hanging, Ayanwola would have been 26 years old on Nov. 30, 2025, if she were alive.
Similarly, the death of popular Nigerian gospel singer, Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu—known for her angelic voice—was linked to prolonged domestic abuse by her husband.
These incidents sparked nationwide conversations and outcry over domestic and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Their deaths, and those of many other girls and women whose cases are gender-related, are reminders of the rising trend of femicide in the country.
Globally, concerns about femicide—the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender—have continued to grow.
A 2023 UN Women report estimated that about 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide.
In 2024, UN Women estimated no fewer than 50,000 femicide cases globally, with Africa accounting for almost half—22,600 victims.
When adjusted for population size, Africa also recorded the highest regional rate, with three victims per 100,000 women and girls.
Experts say the persistent trend points to a lack of political will to address and prevent gender-motivated killings.
In Nigeria, 133 women and girls were victims of suspected gender-related killings in 2024, according to the DOHS Cares Foundation Femicide Observatory.
More recent data from the group shows that 88 femicide cases were recorded between January and June 2025—meaning a woman is killed every 49 hours by an intimate partner, relative, or acquaintance.
At a programme organized by DOHS Foundation, its Founder, Mrs Ololade Ajayi, described the situation as alarming, revealing that the organization tracked 175 cases in the first 10 months of 2025.
Ajayi stressed the need for legislative action, noting that several countries had begun instituting legal measures to curb femicide.
The programme, tagged “Run for Her: A Global Race Against Femicide,” brought together survivors, families of victims and human rights activists to renew advocacy, awareness and support for affected families.
According to Ajayi, governments around the world are acknowledging femicide as a global phenomenon, adding that Nigeria must not be left behind.
“With the trend of things, we fear that the increasing pattern in femicide cases will worsen if nothing is done.
“A girl or woman is killed every 49 hours in Nigeria. The governments of South Africa and Italy have taken strong positions on the issue. We want the Nigerian government to do the same,” she said.
She called for the fast-tracking of femicide-related court cases to ensure swift justice, and to prevent further trauma for bereaved families.
Ajayi also advocated the creation of safe spaces for girls and women, noting that traditional and religious norms should not be used to endanger lives.
She further demanded justice in the case of Ochaya Ogbanje, a 13-year-old Nigerian girl who allegedly died in October 2018 from complications linked to prolonged sexual abuse.
A petition, she said, would be submitted to the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly.
Damilola Ayanwola, sister of the late Bamise, also called for support for families of femicide victims.
She said life had been difficult for her parents since the death of her sister, who contributed to their upkeep.
“It’s been four years since we lost my sister. She would have been 26 on Nov. 30, but her memory remains with us, especially my aged parents.
“We appreciate the Lagos State Government for ensuring justice. But I also appeal for support for my parents. I lost my livelihood due to my sister’s death,” she said.
She commended the Lagos State Government for swift justice and urged governments at all levels to put stronger measures in place to tackle femicide.
As more Nigerians lend their voices against domestic and gender-based violence, stakeholders say advocacy must be backed by policy reforms and stringent penalties for perpetrators.
