Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has condemned the physical and sexual assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, calling for all perpetrators to face the full weight of the law.
In a personally signed statement on Sunday, Mrs Tinubu described footage of the incident, which circulated widely on social media, as “horrific, degrading and barbaric.”
“I watched the horrific viral footage emerging from Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, showing girls physically and sexually assaulted, subjected to degrading and barbaric treatment during what was supposed to be a community festival,” she said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s cultural diversity, the First Lady stressed that no tradition could justify violence against women and girls.
“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 a woman or girl,” she added.
She commended the police for arrests already made and urged authorities to ensure that justice is fully served. She also appealed to victims to seek medical and psychological support, offering a message of solidarity.
“I pray for your healing, peace and strength at this difficult time,” she said.
Her remarks come amid growing public outrage, with civil society groups and international organisations reacting strongly to videos showing women and girls being openly harassed and assaulted during the festival.
The Federal Government had earlier ordered the arrest and prosecution of all those involved. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the incidents as disturbing and unacceptable, saying they were contrary to human dignity, public safety, and the rule of law.
She called for “a transparent, thorough, and accelerated investigation to ensure that all persons implicated are identified and brought to justice without delay,” and pledged coordinated support for victims, including psychosocial care, medical attention, and legal assistance. The minister also said efforts would be intensified in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, as well as traditional leaders and community stakeholders, to address harmful norms and prevent a recurrence.
Civil society organisations have also weighed in. ActionAid Nigeria described the footage as evidence of “a grave failure to guarantee safety and dignity in a communal space,” with its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, calling for the immediate arrest of perpetrators and warning against attempts to justify gender-based violence on cultural grounds. He also urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take decisive action.
Similarly, the Business and Professional Women Nigeria said the incident should not be seen as cultural practice but as criminal behaviour. Its National President, Ojobo Atuluku, called for the prosecution of not only the direct perpetrators but also organisers, participants, and enablers, as well as an investigation into the role of traditional authorities in the affected community.
“Justice requires thorough investigation, transparent prosecution, and consequences that leave no doubt that violence against women will not be tolerated in Nigeria under any circumstance, and certainly not under the cover of tradition,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command confirmed that 15 suspects are in custody in connection with the incident. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said those arrested include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro and Evidence Oguname, among others.
According to the police, preliminary findings suggest that criminal elements exploited the festival to carry out acts of sexual violence, stressing that the actions do not represent any legitimate cultural practice of the Ozoro community.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aina Adeshina, has pledged that all those involved will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted as investigations continue.
