By Lolade Ajayi
More than 200 advocates, human rights defenders, and community members gathered on Saturday for the second edition of the Race Against Femicide, convening at Agege Stadium in Lagos and Millennium Park in Abuja to demand justice for victims of femicide in Nigeria.
Held during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the event brought together runners, survivors’ families, activists, disability inclusion groups, and concerned citizens for a symbolic 5km run to honour lives lost to femicide.
Participants ran through the communities surrounding Agege Stadium, engaging residents and raising public awareness about the alarming rise of femicide in Nigeria. Advocates urged community members to stop the abuse of women and join efforts to end gender-based violence.
Calls for Accountability and Prevention
Returning to the stadium, human rights advocates delivered powerful speeches on the prevalence of femicide and the urgent need for prevention.
Ololade Ajayi, Founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, spoke on the red flags that often precede femicide and emphasised the role of early intervention.
Barrister Abiodun Kolawole, popularly known as Iya Gani, and Prince Saviour, both leading human rights activists, urged women to prioritise their safety while calling out law enforcement agencies that fail to protect victims.
They stressed the need for systemic accountability and improved police response to gender-based crimes.
Tears and Testimonies from Victims’ Families
In one of the most emotional moments of the event, family members of femicide victims, including the sister of Debora Okwori and the sisters of Bamise Ayanwola, addressed the crowd. They spoke about their loved ones’ lives, the trauma of their deaths, and their ongoing pain due to the lack of support from both the government and civil society.
Their testimonies moved participants to tears and reinforced the urgent demand for justice and institutional reform.
Collective Action for Justice
Participants collectively pledged their commitment to fight against femicide and signed a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police, calling for Victor Ogbuja to be declared wanted for the murder of Ochanya Ogbanje.
To symbolise the cries of victims rising to demand justice, Ololade Ajayi led a touching balloon release ceremony.
She later addressed media representatives present at the event, urging the government to take immediate action by establishing more trauma centres, safe spaces for survivors, and by passing dedicated legislation on femicide. She cited the DOHS draft bill already submitted before the National Assembly as a critical step toward reform.
Inclusion of Disability Communities
In a strong show of inclusivity, the event featured the active participation of disability communities, who added their voices to the call for justice, equality, and the protection of vulnerable women.
Commitment Renewed
The event concluded with participants receiving medals and certificates, symbolising not just completion of the race but their renewed commitment to continue fighting for justice, accountability, and the safeguarding of women across Nigeria.
Race Against Femicide 2 continues to amplify the voices of survivors, families, and communities, pushing Nigeria one step closer to recognising femicide as a distinct crime and addressing it with the urgency it deserves.
