THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has explained its inability to intervene in the alleged sexual assaults at a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, due to the absence of an operational office in the state.
The agency made this known on Saturday while responding to a query by a Facebook user, Chukwunenye Nweke, who questioned the agency’s failure to act on what he described as a long-standing cultural practice, under the agency’s reaction statement on the incident.
The ICIR reports that this clarification follows the circulation of a disturbing viral video showing groups of men allegedly harassing and assaulting young women during the Alue-Do Festival in Uruamudhu Community, one of the five traditional communities in Ozoro Kingdom.
“Did the festival start this month? 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 through many generations. What were you doing since then?” Nweke had asked NAPTIP.
In response, NAPTIP emphasised that tackling human trafficking and gender-based violence requires a coordinated, whole-of-society approach, noting that it cannot maintain a presence in every location at all times.
“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,” it said.
The agency had strongly condemned the alleged assaults in its statement, describing the acts as violations of human rights and dignity and a form of gender-based violence.
“NAPTIP strongly condemns the barbaric sexual assaults and harassment against women and girls during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State. These criminal acts violate human rights and dignity, and it is another form of gender based violence. We commend the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their swift response and arrests of suspects, including the organiser and the community head,” the statement read.
The agency pledged to sustain its support for initiatives aimed at securing justice for victims and preventing a repeat of such incidents.
“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 ICIR reported that the video surfaced on social media on Friday, March 20, showing several women crying and calling for help as groups of men harassed and attacked them in public.
In one of the clips, a male voice was heard claiming that any woman who stepped outside during her period risked being raped.
Another clip showed a lady being dragged on the ground, with men attempting to tear her clothes, while also manhandling her. She was later seen to be rescued by another person. However, several other ladies were chased down the street by men numbering hundreds.
The incidents have been linked by online sources to what has been described as a so-called ‘festival’ in Ozoro, where young women were allegedly targeted by men.
Reports also suggested that Ozoro, being the host part of Delta State University, circulated warnings within the community advising girls and women to remain indoors for their safety.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.