Initiative Launched to Free 57 Women from Debt Bondage

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, alongside Erelu Bisi Fayemi and other stakeholders, is spearheading an initiative to liberate 57 women trapped in debt bondage in Cross River State. This intervention follows the formal abolition of a harmful custom in the Obanliku Local Government Area, which historically allowed young girls to be used as collateral to settle family debts.

Dr. Otiv Igbuzor, Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, announced that N6.2 million was raised to facilitate the release of the first batch of affected women.

The initiative aims to document a model for replication in other communities. Erelu Fayemi emphasized the widespread nature of harmful traditional practices across Nigeria, calling for collective action to end discrimination against women and girls.

The Inspector General committed to supporting victims and addressing related abuses nationwide, while traditional rulers reaffirmed their commitment to abolishing such practices.