Families Forced to Beg for Leftovers as Gender-Based Violence Rises Amid Economic Hardship in Akwa Ibom

The persistent rise in fuel prices and inflation has led to widespread financial hardship across Nigeria, significantly impacting families in Akwa Ibom State. Many households are grappling with severe poverty, and as a result, there has been a sharp increase in gender-based violence (GBV).

In Akwa Ibom, many women who once supported their families financially now face domestic abuse as their financial independence dwindles under economic pressure. The frustration of a failing economy, coupled with the inability to afford basic necessities, has turned homes into battlegrounds, with women bearing the brunt of the violence.

Uduak Eyo, a 37-year-old woman from Nsit Atai Local Government Area, shared her story of abuse after losing her job. “The last eight months have been hell,” she said, detailing how her husband’s frustration with her unemployment escalated into verbal and physical abuse.

Many women in the region face similar challenges, attributing their abuse to the worsening economic conditions. The removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023, intended to boost the economy, has instead exacerbated the struggles of ordinary families. The cost of living has skyrocketed, with inflation rates hitting record highs, further pushing families into poverty.

In some extreme cases, families have been forced to beg for leftovers at local restaurants. Satubros, a restaurant owner, expressed regret that such charity is no longer possible, as even customers can hardly afford enough for themselves. Meanwhile, single mothers like Uduak Akpan, struggling to survive on meager incomes, face daily challenges in providing for their children.

The hardship has sparked wider concerns about the role of the government in providing relief for its citizens. Social reformer Andy Akpotive argues that while it is not solely the government’s responsibility to feed its people, there is a need for policies that create an environment where businesses and employment can thrive. Without such interventions, more families will continue to suffer.

The issue of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom is growing, with over 600 cases recorded last year. Most of these cases involve physical and economic abuse. According to Barrister Emem Ette, Secretary of the Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, there has been a noticeable spike in GBV incidents since 2023.

The economic strain also impacts mental health, with psychiatrists reporting a rise in mental health disorders linked to financial stress and domestic abuse. Dr. Godwin Eniekop from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital notes that many individuals are reluctant to seek help due to societal stigma, though the recent increase in patients suggests a growing awareness of mental health care.

As Akwa Ibom faces these intertwined challenges of poverty, GBV, and mental health issues, urgent action is needed from both the government and civil society to provide relief and protect vulnerable families.