Oluremi Tinubu denounces violence against females at Delta celebration, calls for accountability

Sunday saw Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, denounce the violent treatment of women and girls that took place during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, located in the Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

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In a statement bearing her signature, Tinubu characterized the disturbing footage of girls being chased, stripped, and molested as "horrific" and "barbaric", emphasizing that no cultural tradition can justify such blatant disregard for human dignity and freedom.

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Tinubu expressed her deep respect for Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage, yet stressed that certain customs do not grant men the right to violate women's dignity or freedom, as evident in the "horrific viral footage emerging from Ozoro" that showcased girls being physically and sexually assaulted.

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The First Lady called upon relevant authorities to hold perpetrators accountable under the law, commending the Nigeria Police Force for the arrests made thus far and urging that all those responsible face the full weight of justice.

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Tinubu also extended her support to the victims, encouraging them to seek medical and psychological assistance, and offering her prayers for their healing, peace, and strength during this challenging time.

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The disturbing incident occurred on Thursday, during the Alue-Do Festival, a traditional community event in Ozoro, where groups of young men were seen pursuing and assaulting women and female students in broad daylight.

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Disturbing videos that surfaced online depicted the young men tearing the women's clothes, groping them, and assaulting them, with the event reportedly involving a traditional rite that restricts women's movement, targeting those found outside during certain hours.

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Local leaders, including the Ozoro Kingdom, have distanced themselves from the violence, claiming it does not represent authentic custom and that the celebration was hijacked by criminal elements.

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The Delta State Police Command has responded swiftly, arresting a total of 15 suspects so far, including a community head, with preliminary investigations indicating that the assaults were carried out by criminal elements exploiting the festival, rather than being part of any legitimate cultural practice.