- The Federal Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of suspects linked to alleged sexual assaults at Ozoro’s Alue-Do Festival
- The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, called for a “transparent, thorough, and accelerated investigation” into the allegations
- The ministry urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure justice is served
The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals allegedly involved in sexual assaults during a community festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, issued the directive in a statement released on Friday, March 20, in Abuja by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Danbazau.
The government’s response follows the circulation of a viral video on social media showing alleged cases of sexual assault during the Alue-Do Festival, popularly known as the “Festival of Fertility,” held in Ozoro Kingdom, Isoko North Local Government Area.
Reacting to the development, Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed deep concern over reports that women were subjected to harassment and sexual assault during the event.
While acknowledging the prompt intervention of the Delta State Police Command, the minister called for “a transparent, thorough, and accelerated investigation to ensure that all persons implicated are identified and brought to justice without delay.”
Describing the alleged acts as disturbing and unacceptable, she stressed that such behaviour violates human dignity, public safety, and the rule of law. She also noted that both the Nigerian Constitution and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) clearly criminalise such offences.
“No cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form. Sexual assault is a serious criminal offence, and all allegations must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held fully accountable under the law,” she said.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, the minister emphasised that sexual assault must be treated with the seriousness it deserves, with offenders prosecuted accordingly.
She reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of women and girls across the country.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim further disclosed that the ministry would work closely with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to provide immediate support to victims, including psychosocial care, medical services, and legal assistance.
She added that authorities would intensify engagement with traditional rulers and community stakeholders to challenge harmful cultural practices and prevent future occurrences.
The ministry also urged members of the public to support ongoing investigations by cooperating with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served and similar incidents are avoided.