Measuring Gender-Related Killing of Women and Girls (Femicides) in Lagos State: Recommendations for Data System Improvements, Advocacy, and Action

 

On October 29, 2024, the AIG FCID Annex Lagos hosted the inaugural AIG’s Lecture in the Forensic Hall of FCID Annex Lagos. The event was presided over by AIG Ogundele Ayodeji, psc+, and attended by officers and personnel from the FCID.

During the lecture, the Force Pathologist, ACP (Dr.) Samuel Keshinro, delivered a presentation titled "Measuring Gender-Related Killing of Women and Girls (Femicides) in Lagos State: Recommendations for Data Systems Improvements, Advocacy, and Action." His presentation highlighted the critical need for comprehensive data collection to assess the scope of femicide, referencing the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS) developed by the UN. This classification aims to enhance the consistency and comparability of crime statistics internationally.

Dr. Keshinro cited the Spotlight Initiative—a UN program aimed at ending violence against women and girls—indicating that one in three women experience sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, including trafficking and violence rooted in harmful social norms. He emphasized that gender-based violence (GBV), particularly Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), predominantly affects women, perpetrated by intimate partners such as husbands and ex-boyfriends, leading to significant physical and psychological harm. The most severe manifestation of this violence is femicide, defined by the UN as the intentional killing of a woman or girl motivated by gender.

The presentation served as both an awareness-raising and training program aimed at bridging statistical gaps and establishing a robust framework for measuring femicides within the Nigeria Police Force and associated agencies. This initiative seeks to enhance policymaking in the fight against this horrific form of gender-based violence and provide comparable data for global reference.

The AIG FCID Annex Lagos AIG Ogundele Ayodeji, psc+ commended ACP Keshinro for his insightful presentation and urged detectives at the FCID Annex Lagos to apply the knowledge gained in their investigative work, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-led policing.

SIGNED.

ASP MAYEGUN AMINATanipr,

POLICE PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER,

     FOR:AIG FORCE CID ANNEX ALAGBON IKOYI.