The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Kaduna State have enter into a partnership to fight digital violence.
The NUJ and NHTC called for a strengthened partnership to combat the escalating cases of digital violence, particularly against women and girls.
During a courtesy visit to the Kaduna NUJ Secretariat, the Commission’s Principal Investigative Officer, Murjana Tsoho Abdullahi, highlighted alarming trends of online blackmail, extortion, and image-based abuse, urging the media to amplify awareness and support for victims.
Murjana revealed a severe case where a nurse was blackmailed for over two years by a man who threatened to post her private pictures online, forcing her to surrender her salary periodically.
This case exemplifies the devastating impact of digital violence, which the Commission notes is on a sharp rise, stressing that such abuse often leads to stigma, depression, and even suicide, emphasizing that no one should subjected to such trauma.
The NHRC officer detailed the Commission’s free services, including investigation, counselling, and referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies like the police. She urged victims to break their silence and report violations without fear, as the NHRC ensures cases are documented and pursued to justice.
Abdullahi also called for parental vigilance and education for young girls on the safe use of digital devices to prevent exploitation.
She clarified that digital violence includes not only blackmail but also threats from institutions like lenders who tarnish borrowers’ images online. The NHRC intervenes by providing legal support and psychosocial counselling to help victims rebuild their confidence and understand their rights.
In response, Kaduna NUJ Chairman, Comrade AbdulGafar Alabelewe, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to partner with the NHRC and acknowledged the media’s role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm in educating the public, advocating for victims right and setting societal agendas.
Alabelewe, however, noted that journalists’ attention is often focused across numerous issues and appealed for the Commission to consistently bring such cases to the media spotlight for effective coverage.
The meeting, framed within the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, aimed to strenghen collaborative efforts toward protecting vulnerable groups. Both parties agreed that many cases go unreported due to fear of stigmatization and ineffective resolution pathways, underscoring the need for persistent public enlightenment.
