At least 502 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been recorded so far this year in Ogun State, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has said.

Mrs Adeleye said the figure underscored the alarming and deepening crisis affecting women, girls, and vulnerable persons.

She disclosed this during an interview after an advocacy walk held in Abeokuta in commemoration of the Year 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.

She explained that out of the 502 cases, 120 were reported at the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) while the remaining cases were documented through area offices and partner organisations.

She described the figures as “deeply troubling”, stressing that they captured only the portion of cases that reached government channels as many women and children remained silent out of fear, stigma or social pressure.

The commissioner explained that the rise in cases reflected both the persistence of violence and the growing willingness of survivors to seek help due to improved reporting systems.

She noted that the spike in digital-related abuse, including cyberbullying, online harassment, sextortion and impersonation, was emerging as a major concern to the state in the digital age.

Speaking on this year’s theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls”, she warned that technology had created a new frontier for abuse, allowing perpetrators to target victims remotely and anonymously, explaining that the growing digital exposure of young people had left many vulnerable to online grooming, extortion and emotional manipulation. (Daily Trust)