In an unprecedented act of defiance against the escalating violence and insecurity that has plagued their community, women from Oke-Ere, a town in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, staged a powerful and emotional protest on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. With the government’s failure to curb the persistent threats posed by armed kidnappers and herdsmen, the women of Oke-Ere chose to take matters into their own hands, resorting to a public demonstration that shocked many.

The women, mostly elderly, took to the streets of Oke-Ere in a display of raw emotion and despair. Some were seen half-naked, a symbolic gesture meant to draw attention to the dire straits their community finds itself in. As they marched, their chants resonated with sorrow and anger, with the protesters wailing and singing mournful songs as they urged the authorities to intervene and protect them from the increasing attacks.

The protest was not just a cry for help but a poignant reminder of the scale of terror that has enveloped the region for months. Armed kidnappers and Fulani herdsmen have been relentlessly attacking the area, abducting citizens, killing innocent men and women, and sowing fear among the residents. These violent acts have left the community in a state of constant apprehension, with no place safe for people to go. In the video footage of the protest, the agony of the women was palpable. As they marched, they held banners pleading for security and an end to the reign of terror.

The disturbing footage was shared on social media by a Facebook user, Kogi Pulse, who provided further context to the protest. "The women of Oke-Ere in Yagba West local government area of Kogi state making prayers for the security of the land against kidnappers and Fulani herdsmen," the post read. The user further highlighted the frustration of the women, noting that they were fed up with the continuous killings of their loved ones. The women, according to the post, could no longer go to the market or farm, activities that were once central to their livelihoods, due to the fear of abduction or violent attacks.

The video went viral, quickly garnering widespread attention both locally and internationally. It was clear that the protest was not just a reaction to recent events but the culmination of months, if not years, of fear and helplessness. The constant threat of violence has left the people of Oke-Ere vulnerable, with little to no recourse from law enforcement or government agencies. For many, this protest was their last resort to be heard.

What makes the protest even more significant is the fact that it was organized and led by women. In many parts of Nigeria, women bear the brunt of violent conflicts, often losing husbands, children, and other family members to these senseless attacks. However, in the face of such adversity, the women of Oke-Ere have shown resilience and courage, stepping up to demand justice and a safer environment for themselves and their families.

The women's protest has sparked a broader conversation about the failure of the Nigerian government to adequately address the issue of insecurity in rural communities. The inability of law enforcement to combat the growing menace of kidnappers and herdsmen has led to widespread frustration among the populace. Communities like Oke-Ere are left to fend for themselves, with little to no help from the authorities. The violence is not limited to Kogi State alone but is a part of a broader pattern of insecurity that is affecting many parts of Nigeria, particularly in the northern and central regions.

The protests in Oke-Ere reflect a growing sense of disillusionment with the government. Many Nigerians feel that their leaders are out of touch with the reality on the ground, as rural communities continue to suffer from unchecked violence. Despite promises of security reforms and increased law enforcement presence, the situation continues to worsen.

For the women of Oke-Ere, the protest is not just about security but also about dignity. The act of stripping partially naked was a deliberate move to signal the stripping away of their rights and security by the armed assailants who have wreaked havoc in their town. It is a symbol of how they feel violated by the unrelenting violence that has robbed them of peace, safety, and the basic ability to live their lives without fear.

The impact of this protest could be far-reaching. It has already sparked conversations on social media, where Nigerians have expressed both their solidarity with the protesters and their outrage at the continuing insecurity in the country. The hashtag #freeYagbawestfromInsecurity has started to trend, with many people calling for immediate action from the authorities.

However, the question remains whether this protest will lead to real change. Will the Nigerian government finally take steps to address the growing security challenges in the country? Or will this be yet another case of public outcry that fades away without tangible results? For the women of Oke-Ere, the answer they seek is clear: they want safety, they want justice, and most importantly, they want an end to the violence that has torn apart their lives.

As the protest continues to garner attention, many are hoping that it will serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government. The women of Oke-Ere have spoken, and it is now up to the authorities to listen and take meaningful action to address the root causes of the insecurity plaguing the region. The time for words has passed; now is the time for decisive action to restore peace and security to communities like Oke-Ere and the broader region.

In a country where violence seems to be spiraling out of control, the actions of the women of Oke-Ere serve as both a desperate cry for help and a powerful statement of resistance. Whether it will inspire change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight for safety and justice is far from over, and the women of Kogi State are determined to make their voices heard, no matter the cost.