NAPTIP explains late awareness of alleged Delta festival assaults
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has stated it was unaware of alleged sexual assaults at a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, due to the absence of an operational office in the state. The agency emphasized that fighting human trafficking and gender-based violence requires collective action from all sectors of society. Viral videos from the festival have sparked outrage and debate about cultural practices that may enable violence against women. NAPTIP commended the Nigeria Police Force for swift arrests and reaffirmed its commitment to justice for victims.
What happened
- NAPTIP said it was not aware of the alleged assaults at the Ozoro festival because it lacks a command in Delta State.
- Viral videos showed groups of men attacking women in public during the festival, which led to widespread outrage.
- Some reports allege that certain victims may have been raped, though these claims have not been officially verified.
- The agency praised the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for arresting suspects, including the organizer and the community head.
- NAPTIP condemned the acts as violations of human rights and called for collective efforts to prevent future incidents.
