ActionAid Condemns Ozoro Festival Assault, Calls for Arrest and Protection of Victims

ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the alleged assault and harassment of women and girls during a cultural festival in Ozoro, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights and dignity.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Country Director Andrew Mamedu said videos circulating online, which show women being chased and attacked, point to major failures in ensuring safety at public events.

The organisation cautioned against attempts to justify the incident on cultural grounds, stressing that no tradition should excuse violence against women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls must never be trivialised or justified under any circumstance,” the statement said.

ActionAid noted that the incident reflects deeper societal challenges, including harmful norms and weak enforcement systems that allow gender-based violence to persist.

The group called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted, while also making public the actions taken by authorities.

It further urged law enforcement agencies to be held accountable for any lapses in preventing or responding to the incident.

ActionAid also appealed to the Federal and Delta State Ministries of Women Affairs to provide immediate support to victims, including medical care, counselling, legal assistance and safe reporting channels.

Additionally, the organisation called on traditional leaders in Ozoro Kingdom to review cultural practices that may put women and girls at risk, emphasising that human dignity must always come first.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating stronger protections for women and girls across Nigeria and expressed solidarity with those affected.