Ozoro sexual assault: Activist seeks abolition of harmful tradition
Human rights advocate and founder of LightRay Media, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, has called for immediate abolition of cultural practices that enable violence against women, following a reported assault during a
- From Simon Utebor, Asaba
Human rights advocate and founder of LightRay Media, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, has called for immediate abolition of cultural practices that enable violence against women, following a reported assault during a community festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
She described the incident as “heinous and unacceptable,” condemning the reported attacks, assaults and rape of women and girls during the event.
Umukoro urged law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute perpetrators.
Citing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, she says rape is punishable by life imprisonment and called for enforcement of the law.
She insisted that individuals captured in circulating videos must face the full weight of legal consequences.
Umukoro also called for broader reforms to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Niger Delta, including establishment of dedicated GBV desks in police stations and improved support systems for survivors.
The human rights advocate recommended the creation of safe houses and crisis centres to provide medical and psychological care for victims.
She urged traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations to work together to abolish cultural practices that enabled abuse, noting that traditions must not be used to justify violence against women.
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Highlighting the need for preventive measures, Umukoro advocated increased education and awareness on consent, respect and accountability, particularly among men and boys.
She advised parents to take greater responsibility in raising children with values that reject violence and discrimination.
The activist said addressing the causes of GBV—such as harmful social norms, weak law enforcement and inadequate education—remained critical to preventing future incidents.
She added that state governments in Niger Delta should adopt and fully implement the VAPP Act to strengthen protections for women and girls.
Umukoro described the incident as a wake-up call, urging collective action from government, law enforcement agencies, traditional institutions and citizens to ensure justice for victims and prevent a recurrence.
