Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has issued a scathing condemnation of alleged sexual assaults on women during a local festival in Ozoro, Delta State, vowing full enforcement of the law and zero tolerance for violence disguised as tradition.
In a statement signed by Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Danbazau, she expressed “deep concern over disturbing reports from Ozoro in Delta State, where women were allegedly subjected to sexual assault and harassment during activities linked to a local festival in Isoko North.” These incidents, “which have been widely described in public discourse as reflecting elements of ‘rape culture,’ are deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and contrary to all norms of human dignity, public safety, and the rule of law.”
The statement emphasised that “no cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form.” It cited key legal protections, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), noting that “Section 1 prohibits all forms of violence, Section 14 criminalizes harmful traditional practices, and Section 15 prohibits cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. Sexual assault is a serious criminal offence, and all allegations must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held fully accountable under the law.”
She noted that this incident highlights the broader fight against gender-based violence under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “The Federal Government… continues to prioritise the safety, dignity, and protection of women and girls, ensuring that no victim is silenced, ignored, or denied justice,” she affirmed.
The Minister commended the swift action by Delta State Police Commissioner CP Aina Adesola, calling for “a transparent, thorough, and accelerated investigation to ensure that all persons implicated are identified and brought to justice without delay.”
Suleiman-Ibrahim stressed that support for victims is also a priority. “The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will intensify collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to ensure immediate and coordinated support for any identified victims, including psychosocial care, medical attention, and legal assistance. This response is critical to restoring dignity, safety, and confidence in public protection systems.”
Looking ahead, she assured that the Ministry plans deeper engagement with communities: “Beyond immediate response, the Federal Ministry will also deepen sustained engagement with traditional leaders, community institutions, and relevant stakeholders. This is essential to dismantling harmful norms, strengthening accountability within communities, and ensuring that culture is not misused as a cover for violence, but preserved as a force for dignity, respect, and social cohesion.”
She urged the public to assist: “The Ministry calls on all members of the public to support ongoing investigations and cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. Collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to ensuring that justice is not only done, but seen to be done, and that such incidents are decisively prevented in the future.”
