The Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI) has issued a statement condemning the injustice faced by women abducted in Niger State, Nigeria. According to EWEI, the recent rescue of women abducted in February 2024 from Rafi and Shiroro LGAs is a grim reminder of the extreme violence, psychological trauma, and human rights violations they endured. “These women are not just victims; they are survivors of extreme violence, psychological trauma, and human rights violations.”
EWEI notes that many of the rescued women returned from terrorist captivity pregnant or with newborns, highlighting the sexual violence and forced “marriages” they suffered. The organization emphasizes that this is not a moment for celebration alone, but a call for urgent and coordinated action. “It is unacceptable that our communities continue to be battlegrounds where women and girls suffer the heaviest toll,” EWEI states.
The organization is calling on the Niger State Government, security agencies, and humanitarian stakeholders to act swiftly to provide support to the survivors. “The time to act is now,” EWEI stresses. The organization demands comprehensive support, including immediate mental health assessments, psychosocial support, medical care, and thorough de-radicalization efforts. EWEI reiterates that “there can be no peace, development, or sustainability without security for women and girls. The safety of our communities depends on it.”
