NGO lament rising GBV cases in Enugu

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Custos Care Foundation (CCF), has expressed concern over the alarming increase in domestic violence cases against women and girls in Enugu State.

The CCF Managing Director, Mrs Egodi Igwe, made its feelings known while addressing the press on the organisation’s activities in January 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NGO is a pet project of the Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah.

The managing director disclosed that the foundation recorded 20 reported Gender Based Violence (GBV) incidents in January, 2025 in the state.

Igwe said the foundation would continue to monitor the case involving Mr Sunday Echeji, who cut off the hand of his wife, Mrs Chinonso Echeji at Nsukka.

Igwe commended the Enugu-East Magistrate’s Court for declining jurisdiction and referring the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“The perpetrator (Sunday) who is currently being remanded in a correctional facility will be formally charged with attempted murder.

“We had visited Chinonso at the hospital, where she is receiving medical care, and assured her of our full support,” Igwe said.

While describing the attack as “barbaric”, she disclosed that the CCF was assisting a woman facing divorce proceedings in Aninri LGA of the state with legal advice and counselling.

According to her, the woman sponsored her husband’s travel overseas with the hope of joining him later, only for the husband to marry another woman, leaving her stranded and heartbroken.

“Our mediation team intervened in 12 cases, leading to peaceful resolutions.

“Additionally, three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between spouses, helping restore peace to fragile marriages and reunite families.

“Family neglect and economic hardship remain key drivers of domestic violence.

“To support victims, we provided immediate relief through the CCF food bank and offered skill acquisition programs to help them achieve financial independence.

“Our partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social, Development, Nigerian Police and other NGOs through referrals also yielded results.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the vulnerable individuals, advancing their rights and providing much-needed support to those in distress,” she added.