First Lady Condemns Assault on Women at Delta Festival, Calls for Justice

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned the assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, describing the incident as horrific and barbaric.

In a personally signed statement on Sunday, Tinubu reacted to viral footage showing girls being chased, stripped, molested, and subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a community celebration.

“Whilst I hold deep respect for the diverse rich cultures and traditions that make us who we are as a people, I believe that no such tradition or custom grants any man the right to violate the dignity or freedom of any woman or girl,” the statement read.

The First Lady commended the Nigeria Police Force for the arrests already made and urged relevant authorities to ensure that all perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

She also called on the victims to seek appropriate medical and psychological support, adding, “I pray for your healing, peace and strength at this difficult time.”

The incident occurred on Thursday during the Alue-Do Festival, a traditional event in Ozoro. Disturbing videos that surfaced online showed groups of young men pursuing women and female students, tearing their clothes and assaulting them in broad daylight.

Local leaders, including the Ozoro Kingdom, have distanced themselves from the violence, insisting that criminal elements hijacked the celebration and that the acts do not represent authentic custom.

The Delta State Police Command has responded swiftly, arresting 15 suspects so far, including a community head. Preliminary investigations indicate the assaults were carried out by criminal elements exploiting the festival and were not part of any legitimate cultural practice.