‘Barbaric!’ First Lady condemns Ozoro Delta ‘rape festival’ assault on women
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“I watched the horrific viral footage emerging from Ozoro… showing girls physically and sexually assaulted, subjected to degrading and barbaric treatment during what was supposed to be a community festival,” she said.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned in the strongest terms the assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement personally signed by her on Sunday, Tinubu described the viral footage of girls being chased, stripped, groped, and subjected to degrading treatment as “horrific” and “barbaric.”
“I watched the horrific viral footage emerging from Ozoro… showing girls physically and sexually assaulted, subjected to degrading and barbaric treatment during what was supposed to be a community festival,” she said.
While emphasising her respect for Nigeria’s rich cultural traditions, Tinubu stressed that no custom justifies violating the dignity or freedom of any woman or girl.
“I believe that no tradition or custom grants any man the right to violate the dignity or freedom of any woman or girl,” she added.
The First Lady also urged authorities to hold all perpetrators accountable. “I commend the Nigeria Police Force for the arrests already made and urge all relevant authorities to ensure that all perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” Tinubu said. She further called on the victims to seek medical and psychological support, praying for their “healing, peace and strength at this difficult time.”
The incident occurred on Thursday during the Alue-Do Festival, a traditional community event in Ozoro. Videos circulating online showed young men pursuing female students and women, tearing their clothes, groping, and assaulting them in broad daylight.
The festival reportedly included a traditional rite that restricts women’s movement, with those found outside during certain hours allegedly targeted. Local leaders, including the Ozoro Kingdom, have distanced themselves from the violence, saying criminal elements hijacked the celebration.
In response, the Delta State Police Command has arrested 15 suspects, including a community head, as investigations continue.
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