More than 500 women’s rights organisations have demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in acts of sexual harassment and assault during a traditional festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as a grave violation of women’s rights.

The groups, operating under a coalition known as Womanifesto, condemned the alleged abuses and called on the Inspector-General of Police to order the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

In a statement issued by its co-convener, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the coalition expressed outrage over videos circulating on social media, which it said show women being stripped and assaulted by mobs during the festival.

The group insisted that such acts amount to serious human rights violations and cannot be justified under any cultural or traditional practice.

“This is not our culture. This is organised and institutionalised abuse, and it must be treated as a crime,” the statement said.

Womanifesto also stressed that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees the rights of citizens to dignity, freedom of movement and protection from inhumane or degrading treatment, noting that these rights cannot be suspended under any circumstance.

The coalition further referenced the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, stating that threats of violence, intimidation or restrictions placed on women under fear of harm are punishable offences under Nigerian law.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, also condemned the incident and called for urgent action by law enforcement authorities.

“The videos circulating from Ozoro are horrifying,” Abdullahi wrote on his verified X account.
“It is even more disturbing given that this occurred in a community with a university and several schools, where young women and girls should feel safe.”

He stressed that the party would not tolerate impunity and urged the police to ensure that all individuals involved are identified and prosecuted.

“The ADC insists on zero impunity. We call on the police to be thorough and make an example of this case. Every single man that participated in the sexual harassment and assault of the women of Ozoro must be identified and prosecuted,” he said.

Abdullahi also criticised what he described as the silence of the Delta State Government, noting that the state governor had yet to address the matter personally.

“It is unacceptable that days later, the Governor of Delta State has not spoken directly, choosing instead to speak through aides. Silence at a time like this is a failure of moral leadership,” he added.

The incident has continued to spark widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for justice for the affected women and stronger protections against gender-based violence.