NAPTIP Explains Delay in Uncovering Delta 'Rape Festival' Amidst Ongoing Probes

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons revealed on Saturday that its lack of awareness about the alleged sexual assaults at a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, stems from the fact that it does not have an operational office in the state.

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According to the agency, effectively combating human trafficking and gender-based violence necessitates the active involvement of all segments of society, emphasizing the importance of collective participation.

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A Facebook user, Chukwunenye Nweke, questioned the agency's lack of awareness about the long-standing culture, asking if the festival had just begun and why the agency was not aware of it previously.

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Nweke further inquired what the agency had been doing to address the issue, given that the problematic tradition had been passed down through many generations.

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In response to Nweke's inquiry, the agency explained that its limited presence restricts its ability to be everywhere at all times, highlighting that it currently lacks a command in Delta State.

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The agency emphasized that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to combat the issue, urging individuals to report any instances of wrongdoing and to utilize their platforms to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and gender-based violence.

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Prior to this, the agency had strongly condemned the alleged assaults, characterizing them as egregious violations of human rights and dignity, as well as a form of gender-based violence.

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The agency commended the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their prompt response and the arrest of suspects, including the event organizer and community head.

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NAPTIP expressed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar crimes from occurring in the future.

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According to reports by PUNCH Online, the incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, during an annual festival in Ozoro, with viral videos circulating on social media depicting groups of men attacking women in public.

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The footage showed men forcibly tearing women's clothes and subjecting them to various forms of molestation, with some accounts alleging that certain victims may have been raped, although these claims have not been officially verified.

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Local sources indicated that the festival involves an expectation that women remain indoors during the event, with those found outside allegedly becoming targets for harassment.

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The disturbing footage has sparked widespread outrage, prompting debates about cultural practices that may perpetuate violence against women.