The Growing Culture of Girl-on-Girl Assaults –By Matthew Ma

A concerning trend is unfolding in numerous communities throughout Nigeria, where young girls are increasingly resorting to violence against one another as a form of retribution, particularly in the wake of romantic disputes. In the past, conflicts of this nature could typically be resolved through dialogue, family-member mediation, or simply by choosing to part ways peacefully. However, the situation has evolved dramatically; what once might have been addressed privately has now escalated into public confrontations that often involve orchestrated assaults, gang attacks, and severe humiliation. These violent encounters are frequently recorded and shared on social media platforms, amplifying the cycle of aggression and making the consequences of these acts more far-reaching.

Incidents of girl-on-girl assaults rooted in jealousy over romantic interests have become increasingly common across schools, neighborhoods, and social media platforms. For instance, in a report published in 2025 by the Ogun State government, over 500 instances of gender-based violence, including bullying and physical assault among girls, were documented in some parts of the State. An October 2025 report from the Lagos DSVA indicated that 2,213 girls experienced various forms of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse between September 2024 and August 2025. Furthermore, a report dated March 27, 2026, from the Center for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence revealed that 70% of female students surveyed in Nigerian universities have encountered some form of gender-based violence, with a significant number of incidents involving peer-on-peer harassment.

Other reports in Nigeria have brought attention to a series of girl-to-girl assaults, predominantly occurring within educational settings and often involving bullying, harassment, and physical violence. For instance, in April 2024, a video circulated widely that depicted a female student being bullied and repeatedly slapped by another female student, while bystanders laughed and filmed the episode. This incident took place at Lead British International School in Abuja, where a group of girls cornered the victim, with one aggressor asking, “Who broke my heart?” as she attacked her. In a March 21, 2026, update on Instagram, two 14-year-old female students were reported to have assaulted a fellow student following a disagreement on March 5, 2026. Allegedly incensed by insults aimed at their late father, the attackers confronted the victim after school hours, and the incident was recorded and subsequently shared online.

Between March and April 2026, eleven students were expelled from Seat of Wisdom Secondary School in Aliade, Benue State, due to their involvement in a severe assault and the stripping of a female classmate. A 48-second video of this incident went viral, showing a group of female students stripping and assaulting their peer. The expulsion occurred around April 1, 2026, after an investigation confirmed the details of the bullying incident. A few days ago, a disturbing video surfaced that depicted a group of three girls violently attacking another girl in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. In this shocking footage, an onlooker not only failed to intervene but was seen laughing and recording the incident as it unfolded, illustrating a disturbing desensitization to violence among youth. The video quickly gained traction online, circulating widely and becoming a perverse form of entertainment for many. This troubling trend signals a deeper social issue that warrants attention and action from all responsible members of society.

At the heart of this issue lies a concerning shift in mindset among young girls, where violence is increasingly viewed as an acceptable means of retaliation. Many of these girls experience immense pressure to “defend their pride” through physical confrontation whenever they perceive feelings of betrayal, embarrassment, or emotional pain. This societal influence creates a toxic environment where, rather than opting to distance themselves from harmful relationships or pursuing constructive conflict resolution, some feel compelled to resort to intimidation and acts of aggression. In doing so, they seek not only to reclaim their sense of honor but also to garner social validation or gain attention on various online platforms. This troubling trend raises important questions about the normalization of violence in youth culture and the underlying factors contributing to these behaviors.

Social media has played a substantial role in intensifying the issue of female-to-female assault in society. Initially designed to enhance communication and encourage creative expression, many platforms have unfortunately become breeding grounds for the glorification of violence and humiliation. When a violent video goes viral, the response can often be shockingly positive; rather than facing condemnation, perpetrators may find themselves receiving admiration and validation from their peers. This troubling phenomenon contributes to a culture where such acts are not just tolerated but celebrated. As a result, the visibility of these violent behaviors creates a dangerous environment where impressionable individuals are encouraged to mimic such actions, perpetuating a cycle that normalizes violence in our communities. The effects are far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals involved but also the broader societal perception of acceptable behavior.

Relationships among teenagers and young adults are frequently marked by significant emotional turbulence and instability. These formative years are filled with intense experiences, from the exhilaration of first love to the pain of jealousy, heartbreak, and betrayal. While these emotional upheavals are a natural part of growing up, it is crucial to emphasize that violence should never be seen as an acceptable solution to any romantic conflict. Unfortunately, many young people are influenced by the behavior they observe around them, particularly through the lens of social media, where alarming trends have emerged. We often encounter videos circulating online that depict groups of girls physically attacking another girl, while bystanders encourage the violence, recording and sharing these incidents as though they are mere entertainment.

This troubling phenomenon underscores a disconcerting cultural shift in which cruelty and aggression are increasingly normalized—and even celebrated in the pursuit of likes and followers. This conduct necessitates the prosecution of all individuals involved, including those who record and share the video online for public consumption. However, when a recording is created with the explicit purpose of serving as evidence in a legal proceeding or to support a claim, the circumstances surrounding its creation should be viewed differently. On the other hand, if the primary motivation behind making such a recording is to garner attention, likes, or popularity on social media platforms, the implications change significantly. In such cases, where the intent leans more towards exploiting a situation for personal gain than towards constructive discourse or justice, it may be appropriate to pursue prosecution. This distinction underscores the need to evaluate the motives underlying the recording in question.

Schools, parents, religious institutions, and community leaders need to adopt a proactive approach in guiding young girls. They should actively encourage these girls to embrace the importance of education, prioritize self-respect, and focus on personal development rather than engaging in unhealthy competition for romantic attention. This can be achieved through mentorship programs, workshops, and open discussions that highlight the value of academic achievement and self-growth. Moreover, girls themselves must recognize the detrimental effects of manipulative behaviors that can intensify rivalry among peers. By promoting values such as empathy, collaboration, and healthy relationships, girls can learn to support one another rather than view each other as competitors. Initiatives that foster teamwork and shared goals can help build a sense of solidarity and community, enabling girls to thrive together while developing a strong sense of self-worth independent of societal pressures.

Law enforcement agencies must approach assault cases with the utmost seriousness and diligence they warrant, irrespective of the age, gender, or background of those involved. Far too often, these incidents are downplayed and dismissed as trivial occurrences, such as “girls’ fights,” rather than being acknowledged as genuine criminal acts that can have profound psychological and physical consequences. When society fails to recognize the gravity of these situations, it perpetuates a culture of silence and stigma, hindering victims from seeking help and healing. It is imperative for law enforcement to take each assault case seriously and to treat victims with the compassion and respect they deserve, ensuring justice is served, and prevention measures are put into place for the future.

In the past, it was common for community members to discipline a child for misbehavior, with parents often supporting others in instilling discipline. However, this approach is no longer feasible due to modern legal constraints that could result in lawsuits against those who attempt to correct a child’s behavior. In contemporary society, many individuals perceive child-rearing as a responsibility confined to the family, rather than a collective duty of the community. This shift in perspective from viewing child upbringing as a communal responsibility to seeing it solely as a familial matter has contributed to a troubling moral decline, one that allows for the normalization of bullying in our society. As a society, we cannot afford to remain silent. Today, many children are growing up without sufficient emotional guidance or supervision. Some parents may be unaware of their daughters’ online activities or the peer influences that shape their behavior. Others might be aware but choose to turn a blind eye, acting as if nothing is amiss. We have a critical role to play in normalizing such behavior. This normalization should prompt parents, educators, and community leaders to tackle the underlying issues and strive towards creating a safer, more supportive environment for all young individuals.

Therefore, we all share a significant responsibility in this matter. We must take proactive steps to discourage young girls from assaulting and humiliating others in pursuit of likes, attention, and popularity. Society cannot afford to perpetuate such behavior through likes, shares, and the allure of increased fame. In the end, no relationship is worth the violence, humiliation, or destruction of someone’s future. Young people must recognize that dignity cannot be maintained through aggression, and love cannot thrive amid violence. If Nigeria seeks to nurture a more responsible and compassionate generation, we must collectively reject the culture of using aggression as a means of fostering relationships.

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and a public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.