By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice has intensified its campaign against technology-facilitated violence with a comprehensive sensitisation exercise for students of Nnodo Secondary School, Abakaliki, as part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Speaking during the outreach, Barr. Faithvin Nwanchor, Head of the Sexual Assault and Gender-Based Violence Response Department ministry of Justice and State Coordinator of the GBV Taskforce, said the Ministry considered the school visitation necessary following rising cases of digital abuse among young people.
According to her, the sensitisation was led by the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the GBV Taskforce and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ebonyi State Branch.
“This year’s theme focuses on technology-facilitated gender-based violence. We decided to take the message directly to students because many of them are already victims of digital bullying, social media abuse, and other forms of online violence,” she said.
Barr. Nwanchor revealed that the Ministry has recorded a steady rise in complaints from young people both boys and girls reporting cyberbullying, online blackmail, and harassment.
“Digital violence is real. Students are walking into our offices with cases of bullying and online threats. We are worried, and that is why we’re taking this sensitisation seriously,” she stressed.
She added that more men are now speaking up about experiences of violence.
“There is a shift. Men are no longer silent. Many now call or come to the office to report emotional and physical abuse. They want guidance, and this is progress,” she noted.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, Nkechinyere Oginyi, urged students to resist the pressures of social media and channel their energy toward building their intellectual capacity.
She cautioned that while the digital space offers opportunities, it also exposes young people to manipulation, exploitation, and abuse. Oginyi encouraged the students to uphold moral values and focus on their education and future aspirations.
An SS2 student, Nweke Chukwu, described the sensitisation as “eye-opening.”
“I learnt that violence is not good. If you see something, say something. Always be careful where you go, and don’t move around at night,” he said.
Facilitators assured the students that all reports made in confidence would be treated discreetly.