Domestic violence spousal killings Nigeria
A recent investigation by the team at Daily Trust has found that a total of 136 spouses were killed in Nigeria over a four-year span from 2021 to 2025. The data covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, revealing a shocking pattern of intimate partner violence turning fatal.
According to the analysis, the majority of victims were wives — with 96 out of the 136 deaths recorded being women, while 39 were men, and one case involved a “wife-to-be.” The highest number of spousal killings was reported in Lagos State, which documented 17 cases during the period. Of those, 16 victims were women. The states of Edo State, Ogun State and Adamawa State each recorded 10 spousal-killings during the same period. The data shows that these tragedies occurred across regions: the South accounted for nearly two-thirds of cases (about 88), while the North accounted for 46.
The findings link these fatalities to domestic violence, jealousy and economic stress. Over forty incidents were directly attributed to domestic violence; about thirty were related to infidelity or suspected cheating; at least twenty were triggered by financial disagreements, hunger or sexual denial. For example, in Lagos one woman was set on fire by her husband; another was killed after refusing to cook; yet another was murdered for asking her husband to repay a loan. The variety of triggers demonstrates that lethal domestic conflict in Nigeria is not confined to any one region, social class or level of urbanisation.
Experts quoted in the report emphasise that most spousal killings did not happen without warning. The dangerous situations evolved over time. One cleric interviewed noted that “spousal killings rarely happen suddenly. They are often the tragic end of a long process of emotional decay. What begins as a small misunderstanding becomes a deep wound.” He pointed out that poor communication, economic strain and unresolved anger often combine in the home until violence becomes inevitable. The report argues that without early intervention the risk of a deadly outcome grows significantly.
The analysis also suggests that the true number of spousal killings may be higher. Many fatalities go unreported or are resolved privately, especially in northern states where cultural norms may discourage public disclosure. As stated in the investigation: “Even within smaller figures … other cases may be unreported.” The implications are clear: domestic violence remains a serious and under-addressed threat in Nigeria, and there is urgent need for improved prevention, support systems and legal enforcement to protect vulnerable spouses.
