The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals allegedly involved in sexual assaults linked to the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja through the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Danbazau.
The minister’s intervention followed the circulation of a viral video showing alleged incidents of sexual assault during the traditional festival, often described as a “Festival of Fertility,” in Ozoro Kingdom, Delta State.
Expressing concern over the development, Sulaiman-Ibrahim condemned reports that women were subjected to harassment and sexual violence during the event in Isoko North Local Government Area.
“I am deeply concerned by the disturbing reports and viral footage alleging that women were subjected to sexual assault and harassment during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro,” she said.
She commended the swift response of the Delta State Police Command while urging authorities to ensure a transparent, thorough and expedited investigation that would lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible.
Describing the incidents as unacceptable and a violation of human dignity and public safety, the minister stressed that no cultural or traditional practice could justify sexual violence.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting women and girls nationwide and said the ministry would collaborate with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to provide psychosocial support, medical care and legal assistance to affected victims.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also said the ministry would engage traditional rulers and community stakeholders to address harmful norms and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents, urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure justice is served.
