LAGOS , Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Anambra State Truth, Justice and Peace Commission (ATJPC) has sounded an alarm over the escalating restiveness and killings in Anambra State and the wider South East geopolitical zone, warning of dire consequences for women’s marital prospects.
In a chilling revelation, the executive summary of the ATJPC report, released on Friday in Awka, Anambra State, highlighted the profound impact of ongoing violence on the demographic sustainability of the region.
The report underscored how the pervasive restiveness and killings has created a structural problem, making it increasingly difficult for women to find suitable spouses.
According to the report, women are among the most affected victims, bearing the brunt of violence through killings, rape, loss of husbands, sons, and denial of livelihoods.
It pointed out that since 1999, thousands of young people have been killed, resulting in a disproportionate reduction in the male population.
“The ongoing violence has significantly diminished the likelihood of women finding suitable partners for marriage, leading to a rise in unmarried and reproductively unfulfilled women,” it stated.
It expressed concerns that the prevalence of unmarried women could further exacerbate as potential suitors are increasingly affected by violence and may not survive to marry.
The report recounted harrowing incidents, including the killing of Amaka Igwe, a lawyer, and her husband in Onitsha, as well as the tragic death of Harira Jubril and her four daughters near Umunze.
These incidents have left many women widowed, destitute, and economically impoverished.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the adverse effects on women’s access to land and subsistence, particularly in rural communities where polygamy persists.
It emphasised that insecurity has led to the destruction of healthcare facilities, making access to reproductive healthcare increasingly scarce.
The report lamented the negative impact on education, with young boys abandoning schooling out of fear of violence, saying it has hampered progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Anambra State.
The ATJPC, comprising 14 members, was inaugurated in June 2022 to investigate insecurity in Anambra State and the wider South East region. Led by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent human rights lawyer, the commission submitted its final report to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the escalating crisis.
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