REMI TINUBU CONDEMNS ASSAULT OF WOMEN AT DELTA FESTIVAL, DEMANDS JUSTICE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned the assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, describing the incident as “horrific” and “barbaric.”
In a statement personally signed on Sunday, Tinubu reacted to viral videos showing young women being chased, stripped, and molested during the festival held in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
She stressed that while Nigeria’s cultural diversity should be respected, no tradition or custom should infringe on the dignity and rights of women.
“Whilst I hold deep respect for the diverse rich cultures and traditions that make us who we are as a people, I believe that no such tradition or custom grants any man the right to violate the dignity or freedom of any woman or girl,” she said.
The First Lady called on relevant authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice, commending the Nigeria Police Force for the arrests already made.
“I urge all relevant authorities to ensure that all perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” she added.
Tinubu also appealed to the victims to seek medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing and recovery.
The incident occurred on Thursday during the Alue-Do Festival, a traditional event in Ozoro, where disturbing footage showed groups of young men assaulting women in broad daylight.
Reports indicated that the festival included a traditional restriction on women’s movement during certain hours, with those found outside allegedly targeted.
However, community leaders, including the Ozoro Kingdom, have distanced themselves from the violence, stating that the acts were carried out by criminal elements and do not reflect authentic cultural practices.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed that 15 suspects, including a community head, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police authorities added that preliminary investigations suggest the attacks were perpetrated by individuals exploiting the festival, rather than being part of any legitimate traditional rite.
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