The Federal Government has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals allegedly involved in sexual assaults during a local festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in a statement released in Abuja through the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Danbazau.
The government’s response follows the circulation of a viral video on Friday showing incidents of alleged sexual assault during the Alue-Do Festival, a traditional event in the Ozoro Kingdom, located in Delta State.
The festival, sometimes referred to as a “Festival of Fertility,” reportedly witnessed acts of harassment and sexual violence against women in the Isoko North Local Government Area.
Expressing deep concern, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the reports as disturbing and unacceptable.
“I am deeply concerned by the disturbing reports and viral footage alleging that women were subjected to sexual assault and harassment during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro,” she said.
She emphasized that such actions violate fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
“These incidents are disturbing, unacceptable, and a clear violation of human dignity, public safety, and the rule of law,” the minister added.
The minister commended the swift response of the Delta State Police Command but called for a more comprehensive and transparent investigation.
“I urge that the investigation be transparent, thorough, and accelerated to ensure that all persons implicated are identified and brought to justice without delay,” she stated.
She also made it clear that cultural or traditional practices cannot be used to justify acts of sexual violence.
“No cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form,” she stressed.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting women and girls, the minister said efforts are underway to support victims of the incident.
According to her, the ministry will collaborate with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to provide: Psychosocial support, medical care. legal assistance.
“We remain committed to prioritising the safety, dignity, and protection of women and girls across Nigeria,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted the need for stronger engagement with traditional and community leaders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We will continue to engage traditional leaders and community stakeholders to address harmful norms and prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” she added.
The ministry further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.
