VIOLENCE IS NOT CULTURE: SWS DEMANDS JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY AND URGENT LEGAL ACTION OVER OZORO INCIDENT
Lagos, Nigeria
21st March 2026
Standup for Women Society (SWS) strongly condemns the deeply disturbing reports emerging from Ozoro, Delta State, concerning a cultural festival held on 19 March 2026, during which women and young girls were allegedly stripped, publicly humiliated, and subjected to sexual assault.
These allegations, if substantiated, constitute grave violations of human dignity, fundamental human rights, and clear breaches of both Nigerian criminal law and international human rights obligations. While reports indicate that some arrests have been made, the severity of these acts demands swift, transparent, and uncompromising prosecution.
No cultural practice, festival, or traditional expression can justify sexual violence, degradation, or the violation of bodily autonomy. Culture must operate strictly within the bounds of law, dignity, and humanity.
*LEGAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK*
These acts violate multiple legal instruments, including:
International Human Rights Laws
– Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948 — Articles 1, 3, and 5 guarantee dignity, security, and freedom from degrading treatment.
– Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) — Mandates elimination of discriminatory customs and protection of women’s rights.
– African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights — Protects the dignity and integrity of every individual.
– Maputo Protocol (Rights of Women in Africa) — Obligates States to prohibit and punish all forms of violence against women.
*Nigerian Legal Framework*
– *Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999* (as amended) — Section 34 guarantees the right to dignity and freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment.
– *Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), 2015* — Criminalizes rape, sexual assault, emotional abuse, and harmful practices.
– *Criminal Code Act / Delta State Criminal Law* — Prohibits indecent assault and acts of gross indecency.
– *Child Rights Act, 2003* — Protects minors from abuse, exploitation, and degrading treatment.
The alleged conduct amounts to *sexual violence, indecent assault, public humiliation, and psychological abuse* , all punishable under Nigerian law.
*STATE RESPONSIBILITY*
Nigeria is bound by its obligations to:
– *Respect*: Refrain from violating human rights
– *Protect*: Prevent violations by individuals or groups
– *Fulfil*: Ensure effective laws, enforcement, and remedies
Failure to act decisively constitutes *a serious breach of constitutional and international obligations.*
*SWS POSITION*
Standup for Women Society unequivocally states that:
– Sexual violence is *criminal, unlawful, and unacceptable* under any guise.
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– Cultural practices must never override *constitutional rights and human dignity* .
– The Ozoro incident, if proven, represents a dangerous *normalization of gender-based violence.*
Any tradition that degrades women is not culture, it is a violation.
*RECOMMENDATIONS*
SWS calls on the *Federal Government of Nigeria, Delta State Government, law enforcement agencies,* and traditional institutions to:
1. Ensure *immediate, transparent, and expedited* prosecution of all perpetrators.
2. Identify and prosecute all accomplices, including organizers and enablers.
3. Provide *urgent medical, psychological, and legal support* to victims.
4. Establish an *independent investigative panel* into the incident.
5. Strengthen enforcement of the *VAPP Act across all States.*
6. Review and regulate cultural practices to ensure compliance with *human rights standards.*
7. Engage traditional leaders to eliminate harmful practices.
8. Deploy *security and monitoring systems* for public festivals and gatherings.
9. Launch nationwide *awareness campaigns against gender-based* violence.
*CONCLUSION*
Nigeria must not tolerate a system where violence against women is excused under the guise of culture. The *dignity, safety, and bodily integrity of women and girls are non-negotiable* .
The Ozoro incident must serve as *a national turning point*—for accountability, reform, and the complete eradication of harmful practices.
*Justice must prevail. Silence must not be an option.*
Signed:
*Lib. Deborah A. Ijadele-Adetona, Esq.*
International President
Standup for Women Society (SWS)
