The minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has affirmed that the federal government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to “the safety, dignity, and protection of women and girls, ensuring that no victim is silenced, ignored, or denied justice”.
In a statement condemning reported incidents of sexual assault and harassment in the Ozoro community of the Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Southern Nigeria, the minister said it was “deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and contrary to all norms of human dignity, public safety, and the rule of law.”
Her statement underscored “the urgency of strengthening collective action against gender-based violence”, expressing “deep concern over disturbing reports from Ozoro in Delta State, where women were allegedly subjected to sexual assault and harassment during activities linked to a local festival in Isoko North”, noting that the reports have been “widely described in public discourse as reflecting elements of ‘rape culture.’”
Citing provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that “no cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form.”
Her statement noted that “Section 1 prohibits all forms of violence; Section 14 criminalises harmful traditional practices; and Section 15 prohibits cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment,” adding that “sexual assault is a serious criminal offence, and all allegations must be thoroughly investigated with perpetrators held fully accountable under the law.”
The minister commended “the swift response of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola” and called for “a transparent, thorough, and accelerated investigation to ensure that all persons implicated are identified and brought to justice without delay.”
She further pledged to “intensify collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development” to ensure provision of “psychosocial care, medical attention, and legal assistance” to victims.
She affirmed that the ministry will also “deepen sustainable engagement with traditional leaders, community institutions, and relevant stakeholders” to ensure that “culture is not misused as a cover for violence.”
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged the public to “support ongoing investigations and cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities”, stressing that “collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to ensuring that justice is not only done, but seen to be done.”