The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators involved in reported cases of sexual violence against women and girls during the Alue-Do cultural festival in Ozoro.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, strongly condemned the incidents, described them as “unacceptable and the height of barbarism in the modern world.” He stressed that such acts constitute a grave violation of the privacy, dignity, and fundamental human rights of victims.
Ojukwu maintained that no cultural practice should override the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Nigeria, including the rights to dignity, freedom of movement, and protection from discrimination. He warned that any tradition that promotes or tolerates sexual abuse must either be urgently reformed or abolished.
The NHRC boss further emphasized that cultural festivals must comply with existing legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Anti-Torture Act, both of which criminalize acts that degrade or harm individuals, particularly women and girls.
He also noted that Nigeria is bound by international obligations such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which mandate the protection of women from violence and discrimination.
Ojukwu called for accountability not only for the direct perpetrators but also for enablers, including festival organizers and traditional authorities, stressing that justice must be served to deter future violations and uphold the rule of law.
The Commission commended the Nigeria Police Force for the prompt arrest of some suspects but urged that investigations be thorough, transparent, and followed by diligent prosecution.
Describing the incident as a “sour point” in the nation’s conscience, Ojukwu said it highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms to combat sexual and gender-based violence. He referenced past tragic cases, including that of Ochanya Ogbanje, as a reminder of the consequences of delayed or denied justice.
The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens and pledged to monitor the prosecution process to ensure justice for the victims while working with stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.
