Rights Commission Seeks Media Support Against Digital Violence

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has challenged the media to intensify public awareness on digital violence.

It said that Nigeria is witnessing a disturbing rise in technology-facilitated abuses, especially against women and girls.

The commission made the appeal yesterday during an advocacy visit to the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as part of the activities marking the 2025 “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence”.

The NHRC team was led by principal investigative officer, Murjanatu Tsoho Abdullahi. Abdullahi said recent data and cases handled by the commission showed that incidents of blackmail, image-based abuse, extortion, online threats and digital harassment were increasing at a worrying rate.

She said many victims, particularly women, endure silent suffering due to fear of stigma, family backlash, or societal judgement.

Citing a recent case, she narrated how a nurse was blackmailed for more than two years by a man who threatened to post her private photographs online.

According to her, the victim was forced to surrender her monthly salary throughout the period.

“No one should be made to go through that. Shame and fear often prevent victims from reporting,” she said.

The NHRC official said while the commission continues to respond to cases of domestic and physical violence, digital abuse requires urgent attention because the perpetrators exploit technology to intimidate, extort, or destroy victims’ reputations.

The chairman of the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Abdulgafar Alabelewe, reaffirmed the union’s long-standing partnership with the commission.

He appealed to the NHRC to promptly share verified reports so the media can help drive justice and accountability.