A new report has revealed that 136 spouses were killed in Nigeria between 2021 and 2025 due to domestic violence, highlighting a disturbing rise in fatal family conflicts.
The data, compiled by the Daily Trust Library from national newspapers, shows that women were the majority of victims, with 96 wives killed compared to 39 husbands. One case involved a fiancée, and another saw both spouses die.
Lagos State recorded the highest number of incidents with 17 cases, followed by Edo, Ogun, and Adamawa with 10 each. Most killings were triggered by arguments over food, phones, infidelity, or financial stress.
In Lagos, one woman was set ablaze, another killed for refusing to cook, and a third murdered after asking for loan repayment. In Adamawa, cases included killings over phone disputes and accusations of infidelity.
The South-West region had the highest number of deaths (45), followed by the South-South (33), and the North-East (20). Analysts warn that figures from northern states may be underreported due to cultural practices of settling domestic issues privately.
The report shows that domestic violence, jealousy, and economic hardship were the leading causes. Over 40 cases were linked to physical abuse, while others stemmed from infidelity, hunger, and sexual denial.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has yet to respond to the findings, but rights groups are calling for stronger protection laws and public awareness campaigns to curb the trend.
NAN reports that the killings cut across all regions, religions, and social classes, underscoring the urgent need for national action.
