The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has condemned the sexual assault of several women and female students during a traditional festival in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident, which occurred during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival held three days ago, has sparked outrage across the country following the circulation of disturbing videos on social media.
The footage showed young women being chased, stripped, and molested in broad daylight by suspected youths, triggering widespread condemnation from authorities and the public.
Residents described the festival as a periodic cultural event believed to be a fertility rite aimed at invoking blessings of children for couples facing challenges with childbirth.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NAPTIP described the attacks as barbaric and a gross violation of human rights.
“NAPTIP strongly condemns the barbaric sexual assaults and harassment against women and girls during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State. These criminal acts violate human rights and dignity and it is another form of gender-based violence,” the agency said.
The agency also commended the swift response of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State, noting that key suspects had been apprehended.
“We commend the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their swift response and arrests of suspects, including the organiser and the community head. NAPTIP shall continue to support all actions aimed at ensuring justice for the victims as well as preventing the recurrence of such crimes in future,” the statement added.
The condemnation follows an earlier reaction from the Delta State Government, which also denounced the incident.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, stressed that cultural practices must not be used to justify criminal acts.
“The Delta State Government strongly condemns the harassment of women and the reported cases of sexual assault during the Ozoro festival. Such barbaric acts are totally unacceptable and have no place in our society,” Aniagwu said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of a community leader and several others in connection with the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, disclosed that the suspects include a community head, Omorede Sunday, and four others believed to be organisers of the festival.
“The community head and chief organiser of the event and four other suspects have been arrested. The Commissioner of Police has ordered their transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department,” Edafe stated.
He added that a full-scale investigation is ongoing and assured that all those involved would be brought to justice.
