By Sylvanus Viashima in Jalingo
Activitism – Dec. 9, 2025
As part of activities marking the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, stakeholders in Taraba State have called on the government to develop a clear roadmap for regulating the digital space to curb cyberbullying and other online abuses targeting women and girls.
The appeal was made at a workshop organised by the Side By Side Faith Movement in collaboration with partner organisations. The forum brought together traditional rulers, government officials, educators, civil society groups and representatives of faith-based bodies.
In his remarks, the Kuru Kona, HRH Augustine Njemang Vengkani II, urged the Taraba State House of Assembly and other relevant agencies to enact laws guiding the use of social media and mobile devices, particularly among young people and children. He noted that while digital technology has brought enormous benefits, its misuse poses growing risks to society.
“We have been using the digital space without paying adequate attention to its negative consequences. This workshop has opened our eyes to the dangers facing our youths, especially women,” he said. “As a chiefdom, we will take this campaign to every nook and cranny of our domain. I call on government to introduce laws regulating phone usage by underage persons to curb violence and criminality online.”
The Taraba State Coordinator of Side By Side, Princess Leah Solomon Olusiyi, explained that this year’s global theme—“UNITE to Stop All Forms of Digital Violence Against Women and Girls”—draws attention to the rising wave of online abuses. She described digital violence as the use of phones, computers, social media or the internet to harass, blackmail, intimidate or shame victims.
“Digital violence may not leave physical injuries, but the emotional and psychological damage can be profound,” she said. “Many girls withdraw from school, leadership roles or community activities because of online shaming or threats. Families, communities and religious leaders must speak openly about this menace, while the state must put in place policies that punish offenders and protect survivors without subjecting them to stigma.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, said teachers and caregivers have a duty to protect children under their care both within and outside school premises. She commended the organisers for complementing government efforts to safeguard women and children, whom she described as the most vulnerable groups.
Participants at the workshop, after extensive deliberations, agreed that although the digital age offers immense opportunities, its misuse poses serious risks. They emphasised the need for proper orientation and responsible usage to ensure that the benefits of digital platforms are not overshadowed by their dangers.
Representatives of both the Christian and Muslim faiths described the programme as an eye-opener and applauded the organisers for their contributions to building a safer and more responsible society.
A co-convener, Mr. Samuel Tari, cautioned that violence is no longer confined to homes or streets but now occurs “right in our hands,” stressing that the mental trauma associated with digital abuse can be more damaging than physical violence.
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