The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, is partnering the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kaduna State Chapter, to eradicate violence against women.
Cementing the relationship during a courtesy visit to the Kaduna NUJ Secretariat, NHRC Principal Investigative Officer, Murjana Tsoho Abdullahi, highlighted alarming trends of online blackmail, extortion, and image-based abuse, even as he pleaded with the media to help tackle the menace.
While revealing a severe case of a nurse who was blackmailed for over two years by a man who threatened to post her private pictures online, Abdullahi, disclosed that the situation forced the woman to surrender her salary periodically.
“This case exemplifies the devastating impact of digital violence, which the Commission notes is on a sharp rise,” Abdullahi stated, stressing that such abuse often leads to stigma, depression, and even suicide.
He emphasized that no one should endure such trauma.
The NHRC officer detailed the Commission’s free services, including investigation, counselling and referrals 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.
