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Ozoro festival assault sparks outrage as over 500 women’s groups demand arrests
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Coalition insists perpetrators must face prosecution for sexual harassment
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Rights groups say incident violates Constitution and VAPP Act
More than 500 women’s rights organisations have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of suspects linked to the alleged sexual assault of women during a traditional festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
The groups, under the coalition known as Womanifesto, described the incident as a serious violation of human rights and urged the Inspector-General of Police to act swiftly.
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In a statement issued by co-convener Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the coalition condemned viral videos showing women allegedly stripped and assaulted by mobs during the event.
READ ALSO: Outrage in Delta as Women Allegedly Assaulted During Ozoro Festival
“This is not our culture. This is organised and institutionalised abuse, and it must be treated as a crime,” the statement read.
The group stressed that such actions contravene the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees dignity, freedom of movement and protection from degrading treatment, adding that no cultural practice can justify such abuse.
It also cited the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, noting that intimidation, threats and violence against women are punishable under the law.
Reacting, spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the incident as “horrifying” and called for urgent action by law enforcement agencies.
“The videos circulating from Ozoro are horrifying. Every single man involved must be identified and prosecuted,” he said.
He also criticised what he termed the silence of the Delta State Government, noting that the governor had yet to personally address the situation.
The incident has continued to generate widespread outrage, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the victims and stronger protection against gender-based violence.
