A FAILURE IN PLAIN SIGHT: FIDA NIGERIA CONDEMNS OZORO FESTIVAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN; JUSTICE & ACCOUNTABILITY CANNOT WAIT!

FIDA Nigeria vehemently condemns the reported acts of great violence against women at the recent Ozoro festival in Delta State.

This brazen disregard for human dignity, is unacceptable and cannot be ignored.

What happened is not an isolated lapse — it is a glaring failure of protection, oversight, and disregard to the dignity of womanhood.

It is not culture or tradition but plain criminal acts and must be stopped.

Public spaces must never be arenas where the safety and dignity of women are compromised or negotiable.

The right to personal security is non-negotiable and must be enforced proactively and consistently.

Justice & Accountability in this matter is not optional. Those responsible must be identified and face the full force of the law. Survivors must be shielded, protected and cared for.

Beyond identifying and punishing perpetrators, it is imperative to scrutinize the systemic gaps that allowed such acts to unfold and ensure they are decisively addressed.

Organizers, community leaders, and authorities share the responsibility to guarantee and ensure that preventive safeguards are not just on paper but effective in practice. Public confidence hinges on visible, equitable, decisive action — anything less is a failure to uphold justice and protect citizens.

FIDA Nigeria demands immediate prompt action Now!

It must serve as a deterrent to other communities who under the guise of culture and traditions perpetuate heinous crimes against women.

Our laws abhors culture and traditions that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

We will not stay silent. We will not accept excuses.

Justice must be served — now.

Signed:
Country Vice President, FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins

Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria