Outrage has spread across social media following disturbing allegations of sexual assault during a community festival in Ozoro, Delta State, with many Nigerians calling for immediate justice and accountability.
The controversy erupted after videos and reports surfaced online, allegedly showing women being assaulted during the traditional festival. The clips, which quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), have triggered widespread condemnation and renewed conversations about the safety of women and the role of cultural practices in modern society.
Using the hashtag “Stop Raping Women,” many users expressed anger and frustration, urging authorities to act swiftly and decisively. Several commentators questioned how such incidents could occur in a public setting without intervention, while others accused society of enabling violence against women under the guise of tradition.
One user, Moyosoreoluwa (#sore0luwa_), directly called out the Delta State Government, questioning how long such practices may have persisted in the community. Another user, Tegbe (#TomiwaTegbe), criticised the tendency to deflect from allegations of sexual violence by focusing on false accusations, insisting that the circulating videos demanded urgent attention.
Others highlighted what they described as hypocrisy within society, noting that some individuals who publicly identify with religious values may still participate in harmful traditional practices. A user, Sabina (#sabinaababy), condemned the contradiction, questioning when such acts against women would come to an end.
The backlash also reignited debates about the place of cultural traditions in contemporary society, with some users arguing that any practice that violates human rights should be abolished. Another commentator, Nze (#nzemmili), stated that cultures promoting harm against women have no place in modern times.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, described the allegations as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing.” He assured the public that the command is taking the matter seriously and has commenced an investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been announced. However, authorities have pledged to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
The incident has continued to generate intense reactions nationwide, with advocacy groups and citizens alike calling for stronger protections for women and stricter enforcement of laws against sexual violence.