There has been widespread condemnation following a disturbing viral video showing a woman being assaulted by a masquerade during a cultural festival in Delta State.
The incident is believed to have occurred during the Urheovware, an Urhobo cultural festival held in Edjeba, Warri South Local Government Area, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the details surrounding the footage.
In the viral clip, the woman is seen lying on the ground near an open drainage channel while a masquerade dressed in red and yellow attire repeatedly strikes her with a cane-like object.
Barefoot and visibly distressed, she attempts to shield herself and crawl away, but the assault continues as bystanders look on.
The video further shows her later sitting on the edge of the drainage, crying in pain as the masquerade walks away from the scene.
The footage has triggered strong reactions across social media, with many Nigerians describing the act as unacceptable and calling for urgent investigation and regulation of certain cultural practices.
Several users expressed concern over the treatment of women during traditional festivals, while others called for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent similar incidents.
Several commentators also questioned the cultural justification for such actions, arguing that tradition should not be used to excuse violence or public humiliation.
The incident has once again reignited debate over reported abuses during some cultural festivals in the region. It comes amid previous controversies in Delta State, including viral reports from the Alue-Do fertility festival in Ozoro, where young women were allegedly subjected to harassment and assault, prompting public outrage and police investigations.
Following those earlier incidents, the Delta State Government, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and several advocacy groups, including WIMBIZ and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), had condemned the acts and called for accountability.
Police authorities later arrested several suspects in connection with those events, although investigations were said to be ongoing.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities in Delta State have yet to issue an official statement on the latest viral video.
See the video here.
