WIMBIZ DENOUNCES SEXUAL ASSAULT AT DELTA FESTIVAL, URGES ENACTMENT OF GENDER PROTECTION BILL

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has strongly condemned the recent sexual assaults targeting women and girls at a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, calling the acts unacceptable and indicative of deeper societal problems.

In a statement shared with the media on Sunday, the organisation emphasized that the attacks underscore the urgent need to safeguard the safety, dignity, and rights of women at all times.

It added, “WIMBIZ firmly condemns the recent violent attacks on women and girls in Delta State during the Ozoro festival. These acts of gender-based violence and sexual assault are unacceptable and highlight the critical need to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of women at all times.”

It stated, “WIMBIZ strongly condemns the recent violent attacks on women and girls in Delta State during the Ozoro festival. These acts of gender-based violence and sexual assault are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of women at all times.”

The group noted that the incident goes beyond an isolated case, warning that it reflects broader cultural and structural challenges across communities nationwide.

“This incident is not an isolated case; it reflects wider cultural and structural challenges affecting communities across the country. Ending violence against women is a shared responsibility,” the statement said.

WIMBIZ urged the government, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations to collaborate in creating an environment where women can live and engage freely without fear of violence.

The organisation also supported calls for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and emphasized the importance of ongoing advocacy and monitoring.

We acknowledge the government’s call for the swift arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators, and WIMBIZ will continue to monitor developments and advocate for justice and accountability,” it said.

Beyond immediate justice, WIMBIZ emphasised the importance of long-term legal and structural reforms, particularly the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill by the National Assembly.

Legal frameworks like these are critical to institutionalise protections, define penalties, and shift societal norms toward zero tolerance for gender-based violence,” the statement added.

The organisation further warned against cultural or social practices being used to justify abuse.

“Cultural or social settings must never become grounds for abuse, and decisive action with zero tolerance for violence must be the standard,” it stated.

WIMBIZ reaffirmed its support for victims, pledging continued advocacy for justice and systemic change.

“WIMBIZ stands with all women and girls affected by this incident and will continue to advocate tirelessly for justice, accountability, and systemic change,” the statement concluded.

The media previously reported that the assault took place on March 19 during an annual festival in Ozoro, with viral videos showing groups of men attacking women in public.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and reignited concerns over cultural practices that may contribute to violence against women.