Ozoro: No office in Delta limited awareness of festival assaults — NAPTIP
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has explained why it did not earlier detect the alleged sexual assaults linked to a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, stating that it currently has no operational presence in the state.
The agency made the clarification on Saturday while emphasising that tackling human trafficking and gender-based violence requires a collective effort from all segments of society.
The explanation followed a query from a Facebook user, Chukwunenye Nweke, who questioned the agency’s lack of awareness of what he described as a long-standing cultural practice.
“Did the festival start this month that NAPTIP Nigeria did not know about it before now?
“Well, since the evil and criminal act is tagged as tradition, I believe it has passed many generations. What were you doing since then?” Nweke had asked NAPTIP.
In its response, the agency noted the limitations of its reach, particularly in areas where it has yet to establish a command.
“As you know, we cannot be everywhere at all times. Currently, we do not have a command yet in the Delta State. Fighting this menace needs an approach from all of society.
“If you see something, say something. Going forward, we implore you to use your page and try to spread the information on the ills and dangers of Human Trafficking and Sexual and Gender-based violence.”
NAPTIP had earlier denounced the reported incidents, describing them as grave violations of human rights and dignity, as well as acts of gender-based violence.
“We commend the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their swift response and arrests of suspects, including the organizer and the community head.
“NAPTIP shall continue to support all actions aimed at ensuring justice for the victims as well as preventing the recurrence of such crimes in the future,” it said.
The incident reportedly took place on Thursday, March 19, during an annual celebration in Ozoro.
Videos shared widely on social media appeared to show groups of men harassing women in public, tearing at their clothing, and subjecting them to different forms of abuse.
There have also been unconfirmed claims that some victims may have been raped, although authorities have yet to officially verify such reports.
Local accounts suggest that the event is associated with a tradition that expects women to remain indoors, with those seen outside allegedly exposed to harassment.
The videos have triggered widespread condemnation online, fuelling conversations about cultural norms and practices that may enable violence against women.
