Afrobeats singer, Ayra Starr, has expressed her anger in the wake of the murder of Idowu Christianah, a 300 level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). She was allegedly murdered by her friend, Ayomide Adeleye, who has also been pointed out as a potential serial killer.
In a very emotional post on her official X (formerly Twitter) Page, Ayra Starr shared how she felt about the violent, gruesome act and appealed to the Nigerian government to take matters concerning women’s safety seriously and urgently.
Her powerful message, “Stop killing us! Stop raping us! Women deserve better #JusticeForChristianah,” highlights the fear and vulnerability that women face daily in Nigeria.
A Disturbing Crime Unveiled
Nigeria as a whole is in shock as a result of Christianah’s murder. She was reportedly abducted by Adeleye, who killed her and buried her body on his land. The revelation that Adeleye had previously been connected to the murders of his biological sister and ex-girlfriend in two other instances that happened in 2018 and 2020 makes this tragedy even more horrific. His continued freedom following these killings raises serious major concerns about the efficiency of the legal and law enforcement apparatus in combating violent crimes against women.
Nigerians are furious over Christianah’s killing, and many activists, and citizens are demanding justice. Ayra Starr’s public denunciation reflects the feelings of a country that has become more and more alarmed about women’s safety and the lack of consequences and accountability for those who do such horrible acts.
A Cry for Action
The tragic death of Christianah is not an isolated incident but rather a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gender based violence in Nigeria, that often goes unnoticed or unaddressed by authorities and society at large. There have been many allegations in the past few years of women being killed, raped, harassed and attacked with this same nonchalant attitude from the authorities. The women in Nigeria continue to live in fear and trembling , uncertain of their safety in a society where violence is often overlooked or underreported. They’re hesitant to leave their homes and have faith in others.. If an individual from the church is capable of malicious actions, imagine the depths someone without belief in God and lacking morals would stoop to.
Ayra Starr’s demand for justice resonates with countless women and men who have been calling for better protection for women. The government has an obligation to ensure that every woman in the country can live without fear of being harmed simply for existing. However, as it stands, the necessary structures to safeguard women’s rights and lives appear insufficient.
The singer’s passionate plea goes beyond seeking justice for Christianah. It calls for a fundamental shift in the system as a whole. Her message has sparked renewed discussions on the urgency of taking resolute measures against perpetrators of violence towards women. It also underscores the requirement for support to establish safer spaces for women through enhanced legislation and a more proactive legal framework.
A Serial Killer Unmasked
The fact that Adeleye had been involved in previous murders of women close to him underpins a larger problem with criminal justice in Nigeria. Despite having been linked to two suspicious deaths, his crimes did not prevent him from walking free, and now, he has again taken another innocent life. This repeated failure to bring him to book signals serious deficiencies in law enforcement, investigations, and prosecution.
No woman in Nigeria is safe as long as known perpetrators of violence are let off scot-free. Ayra Starr and all such activists, therefore, have every reason to demand that the government should be able to do more in preventing such tragedies. Stronger investigation practices, much sterner punishments, and support systems for women vulnerable to such violence are very essential if this evil is ever to be eradicated.
The Government’s Responsibility
The sufferings of its women are what the Nigerian government can no longer afford to look the other way. For now, what it needs to see is action, since rhetoric and empty promises are over.
Each day the government delays in addressing violence against women, it continues to put more lives at risk. Members of Parliament are called upon to give priority attention to gender-based violence by enacting stiffer laws and ensuring adequate funding of agencies responsible for such matters.
The safety of women is not a privilege but a right, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that all citizens, regardless of gender, are protected from harm.
Conclusion
As Nigerians mourn the life of another innocent woman, the call for justice gets louder. A woman like Christianah needs to be remembered for the bright futures that laid ahead, rather than the senseless violence which cut her life short. Women, too, deserve peace and comfort, like men.
The Nigerian government must act now to address the growing epidemic of violence against women, so that no other family has to experience the heartache of losing a daughter, sister, or friend. #JusticeForChristianah is more than a hashtag; it is a demand for change and for the protection of every woman in the country.
