Delta Rape Scandal:CSO Condemns Alleged Sexual Violence Against Women At Ozoro Festival, Demands Justice
By Bukar BOLORI
A civil society organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy (SOJA), has strongly condemned the alleged sexual violence against women and girls during a cultural festival in Ozoro, describing the reported incident as a grave violation of human rights and Nigerian law.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the organisation said it was deeply disturbed by reports that women and young girls were stripped, publicly humiliated and sexually assaulted during the festival, which allegedly took place on March 19.
SOJA said that although authorities have reportedly made arrests in connection with the incident, the seriousness of the allegations requires urgent, transparent and decisive action to ensure justice for the victims.
The organisation noted that if confirmed, the acts would amount to criminal offences under Nigerian law and also represent a breach of the country’s international human rights obligations to protect the dignity and safety of women and girls.
“No cultural practice, festival or traditional expression can justify sexual violence, degradation or the violation of bodily autonomy,” the statement said.
SOJA cited several international human rights instruments that protect women from violence and degrading treatment, including the United Nations-backed Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
It also referenced the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol, which affirm the rights of women to dignity, safety and protection from all forms of violence.
According to the organisation, Nigeria’s domestic legal framework equally prohibits such acts, citing provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which criminalise sexual assault, degrading treatment and psychological abuse.
SOJA stressed that the alleged actions, if proven, represent sexual violence and gender-based abuse, cruel and degrading treatment, and a failure of protective state mechanisms.
The organisation warned against attempts to justify violence against women under cultural or traditional practices, stressing that culture must operate within the limits of law and human dignity.
“Any cultural practice that strips women of dignity is unlawful, unconstitutional and unacceptable,” the statement added.
The group called on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the thorough and speedy prosecution of all suspects already arrested, while also identifying and prosecuting other perpetrators and accomplices.
It further demanded immediate medical, psychological and legal support for victims, as well as an independent inquiry into the incident and the systemic failures that allowed it to occur.
SOJA also urged authorities to strengthen enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act across the country and to work with traditional institutions to eliminate harmful cultural practices.
The organisation recommended the establishment of preventive monitoring mechanisms for public festivals and gatherings to prevent similar incidents in the future.
SOJA’s Executive Director, Hameed Jimoh, in the signed the statement, said the events in Ozoro should serve as a turning point for stronger accountability and national reflection on the protection of women’s rights.
He stressed that the dignity, safety and bodily integrity of every woman and girl must remain non-negotiable.
“Justice must prevail,” he said.
