Women's Coalition Decries Nigeria's Security Crisis, Says Country Under Siege
A coalition of more than 60 Women's Rights Organisations (WROs) has issued a stark warning about the increasing wave of violent attacks across Nigeria, declaring that the country is currently under siege. They argue that leadership is prioritizing political maneuvering over the protection of citizens, a concern raised during a press conference held over the weekend in Abuja.
Nationwide Insecurity and Its Devastating Impact
Comprising groups from all six geopolitical zones, the coalition raised the alarm over the devastating effects of escalating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping on vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the disabled. Led by Ebere Ifendu, President of the Women in Politics Forum, the coalition stated, "Insecurity has become the daily reality of Nigerian citizens. It continues to deepen poverty, erode public trust in governance, and threaten the very survival of our nationhood and democracy."
The WROs emphasized that from the North to the South and East to West, Nigerians are living in constant anxiety and fear. They criticized leadership for increasingly focusing on politics rather than protection, highlighting a catalogue of recent massacres and abductions between February and April 2026.
Recent Violent Incidents Across Regions
In the North Central region:
- 17 people were killed in Benue State.
- 28 individuals lost their lives in Plateau State.
- Kwara State witnessed 176 kidnappings and a massacre in Woro village that claimed 35 lives.
In the North West:
- 12 people were killed in Kaduna State.
- 35 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kachia.
In the North East:
- Insurgent raids in Borno State towns, including Bama, Gwoza, and Chibok communities, have displaced thousands.
In the South West:
- 14 people were reportedly killed by gunmen in Ondo State this month.
In the South East:
- Civilian and security lives were lost during raids in Orlu and Orsu areas of Imo State.
Disproportionate Burden on Women and Girls
The coalition insisted that women and girls are bearing a disproportionate burden of the crisis. They face conflict-related violence, loss of livelihoods, and sexual exploitation. Smallholder women farmers endure gender-specific attacks, such as the burning of their storage facilities, abductions, and even rape while traveling to and from their farms.
Additionally, women and girls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps are often revictimized by practices like 'barter sex,' where they trade sex for goods and services, all while coping with unhygienic living conditions.
Economic Collapse and Targeting of Communities
The insecurity has effectively collapsed local economies, as traders, artisans, and miners are forced to abandon their businesses. Faith communities have become targets, with recent abductions of worshippers from Catholic and ECWA churches in Kaduna. Schools have become unsafe spaces, stealing the futures of many young people, while unemployment fuels recruitment into violent groups.
Call to Action for Government and Security Agencies
In a "Call to Action," the groups invoked the 1999 Constitution, reminding the Federal and State governments that the security and welfare of the people is their primary purpose. They demanded that the Federal Government prioritize citizen protection through strengthened security architecture and inclusive policies.
The coalition urged the military and law enforcement agencies to adopt human rights and gender-sensitive approaches and improve response times to actionable intelligence. They charged governments at all levels to ensure transparent disclosure of public spending on security, insisting that political actors must rebuild trust by proving resources are used effectively to halt the pervasive and severe challenges facing the nation.
