Ibadan: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has reported 96 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state from January to August 2026. Samuel Opebiyi, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, shared this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Opebiyi detailed the nature of SGBV cases handled by the command, including incidents of rape, defilement of minors, sexual assault, domestic violence, physical assault, psychological or emotional abuse, child abuse, exploitation, and sexual harassment. He emphasized the seriousness with which the command treats every reported case, especially those involving children and women. The NSCDC collaborates with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to ensure survivors receive appropriate protection, while alleged offenders face due process.
Opebiyi revealed that domestic violence is among the most prevalent forms of SGBV reported, followed by physical violence, rape, and defilement of minors. Out of the 96 cases, 57 have been completed and closed, while seven are undergoing prosecution. The remaining 32 cases remain unresolved due to challenges such as the unavailability of complainants to follow up on cases. Opebiyi noted that some complainants withdraw their cooperation, making it difficult to prosecute offenders effectively.
The NSCDC spokesperson highlighted additional challenges faced by the command, including underreporting, abandonment of cases, difficulties in obtaining timely evidence, and funding issues. He urged SGBV survivors to report their experiences to the command or other relevant agencies to seek justice and deter future incidents. The NSCDC continues to strengthen its Gender Unit, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, and Child Protection Unit to facilitate the reporting of SGBV cases.
Opebiyi stressed that eliminating SGBV requires a coordinated response involving law enforcement, the justice system, health services, social welfare, education, families, communities, and society at large. He called on the people of Oyo State and Nigeria to treat SGBV cases as serious offenses requiring legal intervention, rather than private family matters.
In a related interview, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, confirmed that SGBV offenders have been prosecuted over the years. The police aim to protect the identities of victims and encourage more individuals to report SGBV cases and follow through with the legal process. Olayinka highlighted ongoing collaborations with stakeholders such as FIDA and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to support and sensitize victims to come forward.
Olayinka also cited the recent rescue of 17 children and the arrest of seven suspects linked to child stealing and trafficking as part of efforts to encourage reporting of SGBV cases. The command plans to partner with the SGBV Media Corps inaugurated by NAPTIP in Oyo State to raise awareness and combat the issue.