Plan International Nigeria, a child and girls’ rights organization, has condemned the attacks on voters, particularly women, during the recent presidential and national assembly elections held across the country.
The group’s Country Director, Charles Usie, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to protect vulnerable populations, including women and girls, during the ongoing general elections in Nigeria.
The condemnation follows reports of violent attacks by political thugs on voters across the country, including the stabbing of Mrs. Efidi Bina Jennifer in the face while she was about to cast her vote.
Usie noted that women constitute a significant percentage of Nigeria’s population and registered voters and have been at the receiving end of political violence during elections.
Usie emphasized the resilience of women, who have defied threats and intimidation to exercise their franchise to elect candidates of their choice.
He urged the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the attacks and bring them to justice.
Usie also highlighted the devastating impact of electoral violence on families and communities, particularly women who become sole breadwinners or bear the burden of caring for maimed family members.
Plan International Nigeria is an independent development and humanitarian non-profit organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
The group works to support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, preparing them to respond to crises and adversity.
Plan International has been building partnerships for children for over 80 years and operates in more than 70 countries, driving changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels.