Women’s groups demand justice over alleged mass sexual assault at Delta Festival

Allegations of mass sexual assault during a public festival in Ozoro, Delta State, have sparked outrage across Nigeria, with women’s rights groups, lawyers and activists demanding swift arrests and accountability from authorities.

More than 500 women’s organisations have called for investigations after videos and testimonies circulated online showing women being surrounded, groped and harassed by crowds of men during the event, according to Rinu Oduala, youth activist and executive director of Marigold R.O, who spoke to BusinessDay.

The incident has reignited debate about sexual violence and public safety in Nigeria, with critics saying the response from authorities and society reflects a deeper problem of normalised abuse against women and girls.

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“Nigerian society has failed both the male and female child,” Oduala said, describing the Ozoro incident as an example of how unchecked behaviour and lack of consequences can escalate into public violence. She said many boys grow up in environments where misconduct toward women is tolerated or ignored, shaping attitudes that later appear in public spaces.

Legal bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association have issued statements condemning the alleged assault and urging law enforcement agencies to take action. However, activists say public discussions have been slow and sometimes diverted away from the victims.

According to Oduala, girls in Nigeria are often raised with strict warnings about how to avoid harm, including what to wear and where to go, while boys are rarely taught that their behaviour can be harmful or unacceptable. Over time, she said, that imbalance contributes to a culture where harassment and assault are treated lightly or dismissed.

The debate has also spread to social media, where language used to describe women has come under scrutiny. Activists say derogatory terms and jokes about women’s bodies are widely shared online, reinforcing attitudes that normalize harassment and reduce women to objects of ridicule.

Oduala said such behaviour can influence how society responds when women report violence, with conversations often shifting to defending men rather than addressing the harm done to victims. She cited a recent exchange in which a police spokesperson reportedly made a sexual remark during a discussion about the Ozoro incident, triggering further criticism online.

Nigeria already faces significant challenges with gender-based violence. Studies cited by activists indicate that many women experience sexual or physical violence during their lifetime, while cases reported across states often face slow investigations or weak prosecution. Campaigners say this has contributed to public distrust in the justice system when it comes to protecting women and girls.

The Ozoro allegations have become a focal point for wider calls for cultural and institutional change. Activists argue that beyond arrests, society must confront the social attitudes that allow harassment and assault to occur openly.

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“No tradition justifies assault,” Oduala said, adding that addressing the issue requires action from communities, families and institutions alike. She stressed that men must play a central role in challenging harmful behaviour and intervening when it occurs.

For many campaigners, the concern is that without strong consequences and sustained public attention, similar incidents could happen again. The debate now centres on whether authorities and society will respond decisively enough to prevent another event like the one reported in Ozoro.