Tradition cannot override human rights- Delta Commissioner condemns “rape festival”

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has directed a full-scale investigation into the matter of sexual molestation of women in the Ozoro area of the state, directing arrests of anyone linked to the incident.

This was made known by the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe. 

Recall that it was widely reported that some youth openly molested young ladies seen in public during a local festival in Ozoro community.

The festival reportedly forbids women from stepping outside at certain times of the day for a period of seven days.

Videos of the horrific treatment of young women going about their normal activities subsequently trended.

In one of the videos, a bunch of men swarmed on a young lady trying to pry her clothes off her to reveal her nakedness, while others groped her. Some men can be seen struggling to protect the woman from being stripped naked.

It was gathered that some other women were not so lucky as to have anyone defend them, leading to their being stripped naked and even raped.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe condemned the incident, describing it as deeply troubling and unacceptable. 

In a statement shared online, he confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has directed a full-scale investigation into the matter.

Edafe stressed that the commissioner stressed that no cultural practice or tradition can override the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals. 

He noted that the command views the situation as both alarming and embarrassing, adding that decisive action will be taken.

He also appealed to members of the public, particularly eyewitnesses, to come forward with credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.

The horrific footage has triggered widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians calling for accountability and stronger protection of women’s rights.