By Ghazali Ibrahim
A coalition of over 500 women’s rights organisations has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators involved in the alleged assault of women during a recent cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State, as outrage continues to mount nationwide.
The groups, operating under platforms such as Womanifesto, condemned the incident, insisting that no cultural practice should be used to justify violence or abuse against women.
They described the development as a gross violation of human rights and urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.
The demand follows the circulation of disturbing videos from the ‘Alue-Do’ festival held in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area, where several women were reportedly chased, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths in broad daylight.
Eyewitness accounts and viral clips showed victims being attacked in public spaces, with some seen crying and struggling to escape from mobs. In one instance, a woman was reportedly dragged off a motorcycle and assaulted, while others had their clothes torn as they fled.
The festival, described by locals as a traditional fertility rite, is said to involve restrictions on women’s movement during certain periods, with reports suggesting that women found outdoors risk harassment.
Reacting to the incident, the Delta State Government condemned the acts, describing them as “barbaric” and unacceptable. Authorities confirmed that security agencies had been directed to investigate the matter and ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” warning that it reflects a breakdown of societal values and a dangerous disregard for the rights and dignity of women.
Other stakeholders, including community leaders and civil society organisations such as ActionAid Nigeria, also condemned the attacks, stressing that rape and molestation are criminal acts and must never be excused as culture or tradition.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police have begun investigations, with reports indicating that some suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident, as authorities intensify efforts to restore public confidence and ensure justice for the victims.
The incident has continued to generate widespread condemnation on social media and among advocacy groups, with renewed calls for stronger protection of women and stricter enforcement of laws against sexual violence in Nigeria.
