Ozoro Festival Scandal: Isoko Leaders, Iyovwaye, ActionAid Demand Justice Over Assaults on Women
Outrage continues to spread across Delta State and beyond following disturbing viral videos from Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area, showing alleged harassment and sexual assault of women and girls during a recent cultural festival.
The videos, which have triggered nationwide condemnation, captured groups of youths reportedly chasing, harassing, and molesting women in public spaces, with some victims visibly distressed and calling for help.
Key stakeholders, including the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Foundation, Isoko North Local Government Council, and ActionAid Nigeria, have strongly condemned the incident, calling for swift justice and stricter safeguards during cultural events.
Founder of Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Foundation, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, described the acts as barbaric and unacceptable, stressing that no tradition or festival can justify criminal behaviour.
“What happened in Ozoro is deeply troubling. No society that values human dignity should tolerate such lawlessness. Rape and molestation are crimes, not culture,” he said.
Iyovwaye called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, urging community leaders, traditional rulers, and parents to ensure stricter supervision during festivals and promote discipline among youths.
He emphasized that cultural celebrations should reflect heritage and unity, not serve as platforms for violence and abuse, warning that the dignity of women must never be compromised.
ActionAid Nigeria also condemned the incident, describing it as a serious failure to ensure the safety of women and girls in public spaces.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, the organisation insisted that violence against women must never be excused or downplayed under the guise of culture.
“Women and girls were subjected to abuse in full public view. This demands accountability. Such acts must not be trivialised or justified under any circumstances,” the statement read.
The group further noted that the incident reflects deeper systemic issues of gender-based violence, where harmful norms and weak enforcement enable abuse to persist.
ActionAid called for a transparent investigation, immediate arrest of perpetrators, and prosecution to restore public confidence. It also urged Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure decisive action by security agencies and publicly disclose steps taken.
In addition, the organisation appealed to both federal and state Ministries of Women Affairs to provide comprehensive support for victims, including medical care, psychological services, and legal assistance, while protecting survivors from stigma.
Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, also condemned the incident, describing it as inhumane and unacceptable.
He stated that some individuals, under the guise of participating in the festival, carried out the attacks, vowing that authorities would track down and prosecute those involved.
“No cultural activity justifies harassment or assault. Every individual deserves dignity and protection under the law. Such acts will not be tolerated,” he said.
Ogorugba, however, urged residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their investigations.
Similarly, the Isoko Development Union described the incident as a disgrace and an aberration that does not reflect the values of the Isoko people. Its President General, Prof. Chris Akpotu, stressed that those found culpable must face both traditional sanctions and legal consequences.
As public anger grows, stakeholders insist that the Ozoro incident must serve as a turning point in addressing sexual violence, enforcing accountability, and restoring confidence in the safety of public and cultural gatherings.
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