Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) strongly condemns, in the clearest possible terms, the brutal sexual assaults perpetrated against women in Ozoro, Delta State. These acts are criminal, violent, and utterly unacceptable.
That this incident occurred right on the heels of International Women’s Day makes it a national disgrace.
At a time when the nation and the global community were celebrating the achievements and rights of women, women in Ozoro were being harassed, violated, and dehumanized in public spaces.
VIDI firmly rejects any attempt to frame these acts as cultural or communal practices.
No tradition should permit the violation of women’s bodies. Such narratives only serve to normalise violence and shield perpetrators from accountability.
Beyond the immediate victims, the consequences of this incident are far-reaching. Children who witness or are exposed to such violence experience trauma, fear, and insecurity.
This undermines healthy childhood development, reinforces harmful social norms, and threatens the safety and stability of communities.
A society that fails to protect women ultimately endangers its next generation.
Nigeria’s legal framework is unequivocal. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act, 2015), the Criminal Code Act, and the Child Rights Act all criminalise sexual violence, assault, harassment, and abuse.
While initial arrests have been reported, VIDI emphasises that justice must be comprehensive, transparent, and far-reaching.
Every perpetrator, as well as any individual who enabled or failed to prevent these acts, must be held accountable under the law.
VIDI calls on the Delta State Government, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to take immediate and decisive action to ensure justice for the victims and to implement preventive measures against future occurrences.
This must include strengthened enforcement, community sensitisation, and protection mechanisms for women and girls in both public and private spaces.
It must be clearly stated that women do not need to stay indoors to be safe. The responsibility lies with perpetrators and with systems that fail to enforce the law.
VIDI stands in solidarity with the victims and all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls are non-negotiable.
Signed:
Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu
Executive Director
Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)
Email: vivacious.initiative@gmail.com
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