By|Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
ActionAid Nigeria has strongly condemned what it described as “disturbing and unacceptable” acts of violence against women and girls during a recent cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The organisation’s reaction follows the circulation of widely shared videos on social media showing women and girls being harassed, chased, and assaulted in public during the event.
The footage has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about safety in communal and cultural spaces.
In a statement issued in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria rejected attempts to downplay the incidents or frame them as part of cultural expression. It stressed that violence against women and girls must never be justified under any guise.
“This is not a matter of misinterpretation,” the organisation stated. “Women and girls were subjected to abuse in full public view, and such actions demand accountability.”
The group warned that the incident reflects deeper systemic issues surrounding gender-based violence, including harmful social norms and weak enforcement mechanisms that allow perpetrators to act with impunity. It noted that normalising or trivialising such behaviour only increases the risk to women and girls.
ActionAid Nigeria called on Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, to take decisive action by ensuring that security agencies swiftly identify and prosecute all those involved.
It also urged the state government to publicly disclose steps taken, including arrests and prosecution outcomes, as a demonstration of zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
The organisation further demanded accountability from security agencies, questioning the apparent lapses that allowed the incidents to occur without timely intervention. It emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent such occurrences rather than reactive responses.
In addition, ActionAid Nigeria appealed to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to provide immediate, coordinated support for survivors.
Recommended interventions include access to medical care, psychosocial services, legal assistance, and safe reporting channels, while ensuring protection from stigma.
The group stressed that the incident highlights ongoing gaps in safeguarding women and girls in public and cultural settings and called for a broader review of practices within the Ozoro community that may endanger women.
Reaffirming its commitment, ActionAid Nigeria said it stands in solidarity with the victims and will continue to advocate for the protection, rights, and dignity of women and girls across the country.
The statement was signed by Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria.
