The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Africa Region expresses deep concern and condemnation over the escalating killings, abductions, and violent attacks unfolding across Nigeria, particularly in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Nasarawa and other affected states. These violent acts continue to claim innocent lives, destabilise communities, and intensify fear among citizens.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, beginning on 25 November, provides a critical moment to highlight how insecurity is worsening the vulnerability of women, girls, and other at-risk groups. The attacks on schools, places of worship, and travellers not only compromise public safety but also deepen gendered harms, including increased exposure to trauma, exploitation, and violence.
Schools which are meant to be safe spaces for learning are increasingly targeted, resulting in disrupted education, psychological distress, and long-term developmental consequences for children. Similarly, attacks on places of worship violate sanctuaries of spiritual refuge and community cohesion. The abduction of travellers along highways and rural routes further threatens mobility, livelihoods, and national economic stability.
Women, girls, children, the elderly, and low-income households remain disproportionately affected. These violent incidents contribute to rising displacement, broken livelihoods, and profound emotional suffering at a time when global advocacy is focused on ending violence in all its forms.
IFSW Africa President, Oluwatoni Adeleke, stressed the urgency of coordinated action, stating: “The scale and frequency of these attacks are unacceptable. As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, this crisis underscores the urgent need to prioritise safety, justice, and support for vulnerable groups. Nigerians deserve to learn, worship, travel, and live without fear.”
IFSW Africa calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, state authorities, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organisations to intensify strategic and collaborative interventions to restore peace and protect lives. This includes strengthened intelligence operations, responsive early-warning systems, and community-led peacebuilding initiatives. Equally important is the provision of trauma-informed psychosocial support and robust social protection measures for affected families.
In addition, IFSW Africa urges ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to support Nigeria through enhanced regional and international cooperation, cross-border security strategies, and humanitarian assistance. The magnitude of the crisis demands collective responsibility and sustained action.
As the global community enters the 16 Days of Activism, IFSW Africa reiterates that safeguarding schools, worship centres, roads, and rural communities is essential to promoting safety, gender justice, and social cohesion across the continent.
The IFSW Africa Region stands firmly with all affected communities. We extend sincere condolences to families who have lost loved ones and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons. Violence must never be normalised. Every African citizen deserves safety, dignity, and peace.
Oluwatoni Adeleke
President, IFSW Africa Region