The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has strongly denounced reported cases of sexual assault against women during a local festival in Ozoro, Delta State, reiterating the government’s commitment to strict enforcement of laws and a zero-tolerance stance on violence masked as cultural practice.
In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Danbazau, the minister voiced “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 stressed that “no cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form.” It referenced existing legal safeguards, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), explaining 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.”
According to the minister, the incident underscores the ongoing national efforts to combat 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.
She also praised the prompt response of Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, urging “a transparent, thorough, and accelerated investigation to ensure that all persons implicated are identified and brought to justice without delay.”
Suleiman-Ibrahim further highlighted the importance of providing immediate support to victims. “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 beyond the immediate situation, she disclosed plans for sustained community engagement. “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 called on the public to aid ongoing efforts, stating: “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.”
