A major awareness walk took to the streets of Calabar, Cross River State, as activists and religious leaders issued a united call to end the escalating menace of digital violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Coalition Marches Against Online Abuse
The event was organized by the Nigeria-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Side By Side for Gender Justice Movement (SBS), as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, 2025. The campaign is promoted by Christian Aid, the United Nations, and the Side-by-Side Movement, Nigeria, and is being held simultaneously across six states.
Carrying placards with messages like “End Digital Harm Now,” “Say No to Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” and “Digital Safe Space: #DemandRespectOnline,” participants marched through major streets in Calabar. Their goal was to spotlight the dangers of online abuse, cyberstalking, blackmail, and digital exploitation.
Urgent Warnings from Religious and Community Leaders
The Co-chairman of SBS, Ven. Augustine Oqua, addressed the rally, highlighting the severe consequences of digital violence. “People now use their phones to harass, lure, intimidate and blackmail women and girls. Some of these cases have led to physical, psychological harm and even death,” he stated. He urged women and girls to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited calls and online interactions, noting that some communications are traps that have led to fatalities.
Islamic scholar, Imam Lawal Kazeem, affirmed the Muslim community's full support for the initiative. He emphasized the need for religious leaders to continue backing such awareness campaigns. Kazeem also strongly condemned child marriage, stating, “Girls should only marry when they are mature and knowledgeable. According to law, schooling begins at 16 or 17, so marriage must not take place before that.”
A Broad Call for Respect and an End to All Violence
Participants expressed strong support for the campaign's message. Odo Bassey declared, “Online abuse of girls is alarming. We are saying enough is enough.” Another participant, Ekpowan Ekpo, described the campaign as timely, pointing out that “Digital abuse is rampant.”
Retired Permanent Secretary, Victor Inameti, broadened the perspective, reminding everyone that violence affects all genders. “We talk often about violence against women, but men also face violence. Beating a wife is wrong, and disrespecting a husband is equally wrong. Love and respect must guide homes,” he advised.
Other attendees, including Rita Andrew Bassey and Aminah Ismailia, welcomed the awareness drive and called for expanded community education on physical, verbal, and digital abuse. The event saw participation from over 30 male and female Christians and Muslims, sponsored by Christian Aid and the UN. The 16-day global campaign continues in communities across Calabar until December 10.
