WELA Requests Update on Alleged Sexual Violence in Delta, Calls for Ban on ‘Rape Festival’

Founder of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), Funmi Falana, SAN has called on authorities to provide regular updates and account for measures taken on alleged acts of sexual violence that allegedly occurred in Ozoro, Delta State.

In a statement made available to Freedomonline.com.ng, the senior lawyer said, there is so much silence on what is being done to address the situation and punish the thugs who perpetrated the ugly incident that happened in Ozoro recently, saying the matter should not be swept under the carpet in any form.

Condemning the alleged acts of sexual violence in Ozoro, Falana described them as a serious violation of human rights and called for the immediate abolition of what was described as a “rape festival”.

In a statement, the senior lawyer expressed outrage over viral videos and reports suggesting that the event, said to be held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, has become a platform for harassment, sexual assault and rape of women and girls.

Falana said such acts cannot be justified under the guise of culture or tradition, stressing that rape remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law and a crime against humanity.

“This is not a celebration of culture; it is violence. It must be abolished without delay,” he said.

The WELA founder called on the Delta State Police Commissioner to immediately launch an investigation into the allegations, arrest all perpetrators and ensure that both participants and organizers are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

She also urged the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to take decisive measures to protect women and children by ensuring that the alleged event is permanently banned.

Falana also appealed to advocacy groups, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Women Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association, Delta State chapter, to step up efforts to report gender-based violence and push for accountability.

Describing the situation as alarming, he highlighted the concern that such acts could occur in a community context with a level of acceptance or silence that allows them to continue.

The statement calls for urgent action by key institutions, including the Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission and relevant ministries, to investigate incidents, ensure the safety of women and girls, and provide medical, legal and psychological support to survivors.

Falana also urged the public not to normalize or justify violence as a culture, but to speak out and support victims.

“Women’s dignity, safety and bodily autonomy are non-negotiable. Any society that allows violence against women in any form must be held accountable,” she said.

He concluded with a call for justice and protection for all those affected, insisting on the need to take decisive action to end what he described as a dangerous and inhumane practice.