Women's Advocacy Group Condemns Assault on Women at Delta Festival
The Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women, a prominent women's advocacy group, has issued a strong condemnation of the assault on women during a recent festival in Delta State. The group described the incident as a gross violation of human rights and an act of criminality that was falsely disguised as cultural practice.
Incident Details and Group's Statement
In a detailed statement, the group decried reports that women were forcefully assaulted, stripped, and violated in broad daylight during the event. BPW Nigeria emphasized that such acts cannot be justified under any cultural or traditional practice, labeling the incident as one of the most brazen forms of gender-based violence. "What happened was not culture; it was criminality," the group stated, stressing that women should feel safe within their communities, not subjected to such abuse.
Legal and Constitutional Violations
BPW Nigeria highlighted that the assault violated multiple legal frameworks, including:
- Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person.
- The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015.
- The Criminal Code.
- Nigeria's international obligations under conventions such as CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol.
The group noted that these violations underscore the severity of the incident and the need for strict legal action.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
While acknowledging the swift intervention of the Delta State Police Command in arresting the alleged organiser and other suspects, BPW Nigeria insisted that arrests alone are insufficient. The group called for:
- A thorough and transparent investigation to ensure all facts are uncovered.
- Full prosecution of all perpetrators, including organisers, participants, and any enablers, with independent oversight to prevent compromise of the judicial process.
- Investigation and sanction of traditional authorities in the affected community, with removal of any leader found culpable or negligent in line with applicable laws.
"Justice requires consequences that leave no doubt that violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstance, and certainly not under the guise of tradition," the group asserted.
Broader Advocacy and Support Measures
In addition to prosecution, BPW Nigeria advocated for several measures to prevent future incidents and support victims:
- Regulation of cultural festivals across Nigeria to ensure compliance with human rights and public safety standards.
- Comprehensive support for victims, including medical care, psychosocial services, legal aid, and witness protection.
- Enforcement of existing legal frameworks by the Federal Government and Delta State Government.
- Action by traditional rulers nationwide to ensure cultural events do not become platforms for abuse.
- Sustained advocacy efforts by civil society organisations, professional bodies, and the media until justice is achieved.
Solidarity and Future Actions
Describing the incident as a stark reminder of the insecurity faced by many women in Nigeria, BPW Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the victims. The group vowed to pursue all lawful measures, including strategic litigation, to ensure accountability. "An injury to one woman is an injury to all," the statement concluded, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect women's rights and dignity in all communities.
