The spiralling incidents of gender-based violence in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic era: implications for national development

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria adversely influenced the rising incidents of gender-based violence in the country. Several cases of violence perpetrated against the females by their male partners. Obviously, these left the females in terrible physical and emotional traumas, plus severe physical, psychological and mental injuries. Affected victims suffered emotional stress disorders and torturous mental agonies caused by rape, sexual assault, forceful trafficking, physical assault, kidnap for ransom, subjection to slavish conditions, denial of legitimate rights and child labour. These reports placed Nigeria on the dark pages of history and spoke volumes about the need to protect the rights of females. Thus, this paper examines the key negative impact which gender-based violence made on the development of Nigeria. In doing this, the qualitative method was adopted.