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The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that at least 1,666 Lagos residents died under unnatural circumstances, including homicide, suicide, and other violent incidents, between January 2020 and December 2024.
The Force Pathologist, ACP Samuel Keshinro, made the disclosure on Thursday in Ikeja during the public presentation of a report on femicide in Lagos State.
The event, themed “Measuring Femicide in Lagos State: Data, Advocacy and Action,” highlighted disturbing trends around gender-based killings.
According to the report, out of the 1,666 unnatural deaths recorded, 350 were women, 1,306 were men, while the gender of 10 victims could not be determined. Further analysis showed that 230 cases involved female homicide, while 11 were identified as suicides by women.
Keshinro noted that most femicide cases were linked to intimate partner violence, stressing the urgent need for advocacy and stronger preventive measures.
“We reviewed police records at the State CID, Panti, and found that about 70 of the 350 female deaths qualified as femicide. Intimate partner femicide remains the highest category. It highlights how vulnerable women are, even in spaces where they should feel most secure,” he said.
The pathologist called for the adoption of electronic data storage systems to improve crime documentation and enhance the accuracy of investigations.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, observed that while the number of femicide cases appeared relatively low compared to the state’s large population, it remained a serious concern.
He attributed the relatively lower figures to the proactive measures of the police and relevant stakeholders, while assuring that the findings would be used to design action plans for combating gender-based violence.
“Our officers have been trained to identify and prevent domestic violence before it escalates into femicide. We are strengthening operational modalities to ensure better response and prevention,” the CP said.
Jimoh urged women and girls to promptly report any cases of gender-based violence to the police, assuring them of professionalism and sensitivity in handling complaints.
“Gone are the days when victims were met with humiliating questions at police stations. We have extended training to divisional levels, area commands, and the criminal department to ensure cases are properly addressed,” he added.
The report comes ahead of the November 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, with stakeholders emphasizing that increased awareness, data-driven advocacy, and institutional reforms remain key to protecting women in Lagos State.
1,666 Lagos residents die from homicide, suicide, violence – Police
