NCWS raises alarm over alleged online harassment of women leaders in Taraba

The Taraba State chapter of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has raised concerns over alleged cases of cyberbullying, intimidation and blackmail targeting women in leadership positions across the state.

The council warned that the trend could damage the reputations of women in public service and discourage qualified women from seeking leadership positions.

NCWS President in Taraba, Mrs Mercy Daniel, raised the concern on Tuesday during a press briefing in Jalingo, describing the development as a form of gender-based digital violence.

Daniel alleged that some women leaders had been subjected to coordinated online campaigns, personal threats and defamatory publications aimed at undermining their professional and personal reputations.

She said the alleged activities included social media harassment, gender-based insults, intimidation and the circulation of doctored photographs, deepfakes and other allegedly compromising materials.

Among those she identified as having been targeted were Dr Aisha Shehu, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo; Dr Echuseh Audu, Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA); Mrs Dorcas Dugule, Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences; and some female commissioners.

Daniel said the council considered the development a wider concern for women in public service, warning that persistent online harassment could undermine confidence in public institutions and discourage younger women from participating in governance.

She also expressed concern over reports about the publication of private banking information allegedly belonging to Dr Audu by SaharaReporters.

While criticising the publication, Daniel called for an investigation into how the information was obtained and published, insisting that allegations involving public officials should be supported by evidence and handled through lawful procedures.

She urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and relevant security agencies to investigate the alleged disclosure of confidential banking information and take appropriate action if any unlawful conduct was established.

“The NCWS does not oppose investigations into corruption allegations, but rejects trial by social media. Public officials should be given the opportunity to defend themselves through established legal processes,” she stressed.

The council called on cybercrime authorities to investigate cases of online harassment and prosecute offenders where evidence supports such action.

It also urged media organisations and digital platforms to address defamatory content and deepfakes responsibly.

Daniel commended Governor Agbu Kefas for appointing women to leadership positions in his administration and assured women serving in public office of the council’s support.

“Taraba women will not keep quiet and will not allow digital mobs to dictate who serves our communities,” she declared.

NCWS raises alarm over alleged online harassment of women leaders in Taraba