The Edo State Government has fired a strong warning shot against the rising wave of digital violence targeting girls, launching an intensified online-safety campaign for public primary and secondary schools as part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Held at Imaguero College Hall in Benin City, the aggressive sensitization push gathered students, educators, child-protection advocates, and senior government officials to confront what the Ministry described as a “fast-spreading digital epidemic” threatening young people across the state.
Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien declared that this year’s theme — “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” — reflects a critical national emergency. She warned that violence has migrated from streets to screens, evolving into a silent but potent weapon used to attack, shame, manipulate, and traumatize girls.
She said the State deliberately targeted young people and teachers because they are the first and most powerful defenders against digital abuse.
“You are the ambassadors who must take this message back to your schools and communities,” she charged. “A safer digital environment begins with you.”
While acknowledging the internet’s benefits—learning, innovation, and global connection—Mrs. Abdallah delivered a blunt message: the same space has become a hunting ground for cyber bullies, harassers, stalkers, and predators. She stressed that girls and young women remain the most exploited victims, listing the rising dangers to include, Digital manipulation and exploitation, Sharing of abusive or inappropriate content, Gender-based hate speech, Cyberbullying and online harassment.
“These attacks may not leave physical scars,” she said, “but the psychological and emotional damage is often devastating, derailing education and in extreme cases pushing victims toward self-harm.”
The Commissioner urged students to aggressively safeguard their digital footprint and reject harmful online behaviour. “You have the right to safety and dignity online. Use the internet responsibly. Speak up when something feels wrong. Technology must be a tool for empowerment—not a weapon.”
Teachers, she emphasized, must also be empowered to detect and respond swiftly to digital harm. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to driving stronger online-safety policies and programmes statewide, but insisted that the fight cannot be won without students and educators standing firm as digital defenders.
“We need every digital citizen on board,” she said. “Let us unite to destroy cyberbullying, crush gender stereotypes online, and stop the spread of harmful content. Together we can end digital violence against all women and girls.”
Director of Rehabilitation, Mr. Sylvester Okoeguale, issued a stark warning on a growing crisis: digital violence is pushing many young people into drug and substance misuse as a coping mechanism. He urged students to seek help early instead of turning to dangerous escapes.
The Executive Director of SOTHAWACA, Mrs. Ronke Ojeikere, described digital abuse as a “silent killer of confidence and mental health,” stressing that victims often suffer alone because their pain remains invisible. She called on students to act as allies—reporting abusers, rejecting toxic content, and protecting vulnerable peers.
Speaking on practical safety tips, Mrs. Evelyn Oghosa Edo-Osagie of Netete Initiative reminded students that everything online leaves a permanent footprint. She urged them to avoid suspicious contacts, question unusual interactions, and speak out immediately when they feel uncomfortable.
NIM
