Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly 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 unacceptable.
In a statement she personally signed on Sunday, Tinubu reacted to viral videos showing young women being chased, stripped, and molested during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
She stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as a cover for violence or the violation of human dignity.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, the First Lady maintained that respect for tradition must never override the fundamental rights and safety of women and girls.
She commended the Nigeria Police Force for the arrests already made and called on security agencies to ensure that all those responsible are prosecuted and face the full weight of the law.
Tinubu also urged victims of the assault to seek medical attention and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing and recovery.
The incident, which occurred during the annual Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, sparked outrage after disturbing footage surfaced online showing coordinated attacks on women by groups of young men.
Community leaders have since distanced the festival from the violence, insisting that the acts were carried out by criminal elements and do not reflect the true cultural practices of the people.
Authorities have so far arrested at least 15 suspects, including a community leader, as investigations continue into the shocking incident.
