ActionAid Nigeria (AAN)has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the alleged assault of women and girls during a cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State
The demand was made by the organisation’s Country Director, Dr Andrew Mamedu, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
Mamedu strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a serious violation of the rights and dignity of women and girls.
He referenced widely circulated videos on social media showing victims being harassed, chased, and physically assaulted in public during the festival.
According to him, the incident reflects a failure to ensure safety in communal spaces and must not be excused under cultural or traditional practices.
ActionAid warned against attempts to trivialise or justify the violence, stressing that no cultural belief should serve as a cover for abuse.
The organisation urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to direct law enforcement agencies to take swift action by arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
It also called for transparency in the investigation process, including public updates on arrests and legal proceedings.
Mamedu further emphasised the need to hold security agencies accountable for lapses that allowed the incident to occur without prompt intervention.
He urged authorities to adopt preventive strategies to protect citizens, particularly women and girls, in public and cultural gatherings.
ActionAid highlighted that the incident points to broader systemic issues surrounding gender-based violence in Nigeria including harmful social norms and weak enforcement of laws.
The organisation called on both the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to provide support services for victims.
These include access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and safe reporting channels.
Mamedu stressed that survivors must be protected from stigma and empowered to seek justice without fear.
He added that long-term solutions require coordinated efforts across government, communities, and institutions to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
The group also urged traditional authorities in Ozoro to review cultural practices that may endanger women and girls.
