The headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State, showing alleged harassment and sexual assault of women and girls during a recent cultural festival.
The videos, which have triggered national condemnation, capture groups of youths reportedly chasing, harassing, and molesting women in public spaces. Some victims were seen visibly distressed, crying out for help as the incidents unfolded.
Prominent stakeholders, including the Chairman of Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu; Founder of Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Foundation, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye; Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Prince Godwin Ogorugba; and ActionAid Nigeria, have all condemned the acts and demanded swift justice.
“Rape and Molestation Are Crimes, Not Culture” — Iyovwaye
Reacting to the incident, Deacon Iyovwaye described the acts as barbaric and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice or festival can justify violence or the violation of human dignity.
“What we have seen in Ozoro is deeply disturbing. No society that values humanity and progress can tolerate such lawlessness. Rape and molestation are crimes, not culture,” he said.
He noted that law enforcement agencies have begun investigations and insisted that no tradition supersedes the rights and safety of citizens.
Iyovwaye called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved and urged communities to enforce stricter supervision during cultural events. He also emphasized the need to reorient young people toward discipline and respect.
“Our festivals should celebrate our heritage, not become avenues for violence and abuse. The dignity of women must never be compromised,” he added.
ActionAid Raises Alarm Over Systemic Issues
ActionAid Nigeria also condemned the incident, describing it as a serious failure to ensure the safety and dignity of women and girls in public spaces.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, the organisation warned against attempts to downplay or justify the acts under cultural explanations.
“Violence against women and girls must never be trivialised or excused. What occurred in Ozoro was abuse in full public view, and it demands accountability,” the statement read.
The organisation further stressed that the incident reflects deeper, systemic issues surrounding gender-based violence, where harmful norms and weak enforcement create conditions for abuse.
“This is not an isolated case. When such actions are normalised or ignored, it reinforces a culture of impunity and places more women at risk,” it added.
ActionAid called for the immediate identification and prosecution of perpetrators through a transparent process and urged the Delta State Government to take decisive action.
It also appealed to relevant ministries to provide survivors with medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance, while ensuring protection from stigma.
Council Chairman Vows Justice
Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, described the incident as inhumane and completely unacceptable.
He alleged that some individuals, posing as participants in the festival, carried out the attacks and assured residents that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.
“It is disheartening that young people would engage in acts that degrade and violate the dignity of women. No cultural activity justifies harassment or assault,” he said.
Ogorugba urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their investigations, assuring that his administration would not tolerate actions that undermine public safety and human dignity.
IDU Condemns Act as Cultural Aberration
The Isoko Development Union (IDU) also described the incident as a serious deviation from the cultural values of the Isoko people.
Prof. Chris Akpotu stated that such behaviour is not representative of the community’s traditions and would not be tolerated.
He emphasized that offenders must face both traditional sanctions and legal consequences if found guilty.
Growing Calls for Accountability
As public outrage continues to mount, stakeholders insist that the Ozoro incident must serve as a turning point in addressing sexual violence, strengthening accountability, and restoring confidence in community safety.
They urged collective action from government, traditional institutions, and citizens to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that justice is delivered to the victims.
OZORO FESTIVAL OUTRAGE: Calls for Justice Over Alleged Assault on Women Widespread outrage has followed disturbing viral videos from Ozoro
