A coalition of over 500 women’s rights organisations under the platform Womanifesto has strongly condemned alleged cases of sexual violence against women during a traditional festival in Ozoro, calling for urgent intervention and justice.
In a statement issued by its co-convener, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi on Friday, the group expressed outrage over viral videos reportedly showing women being stripped and assaulted by groups of men during the festival.
The coalition described the incident as a gross violation of human rights, insisting that no cultural or traditional practice can justify such acts. It called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute those responsible.
“This is not our culture. This is organised and institutionalised abuse, and it must be treated as a crime,” the statement read.
Womanifesto emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the rights of citizens to dignity, freedom of movement, and protection from inhumane treatment, stressing that these rights cannot be suspended under any circumstances.
The group also cited the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, noting that acts of violence, threats, or coercion against women are criminal offences punishable under the law.
Beyond condemning the alleged perpetrators, the coalition criticised community leaders reportedly enabling such practices, as well as bystanders who failed to intervene during the incidents.
It urged the immediate deployment of security personnel to the area, identification and arrest of suspects captured in viral footage, and swift prosecution of offenders.
READ ALSO: Police Launch Probe Into Alleged Ozoro ‘Rape Festival’ After Viral Videos
Womanifesto further called on the Delta State Government, federal authorities, and security agencies to act decisively to ensure the safety of women and girls in the region.
The group also appealed to traditional rulers in Ozoro to publicly denounce any claims that such acts form part of cultural practices, warning against attempts to legitimise violence under the guise of tradition.
In its appeal, the coalition urged civil society organisations, the National Human Rights Commission, and international bodies, including the United Nations, to take urgent notice of the situation and support efforts to end gender-based violence.
“Videos of women being stripped and assaulted by mobs are evidence of crimes in progress and must be treated as such,” the group stated, calling for immediate justice and protection for victims.