The apex socio-political body of the Niger Delta, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called on the Nigeria Police Force to urgently investigate allegations of female harassment and assault during a recent festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the organisation stressed that no cultural or traditional practice should infringe on the constitutional rights of citizens under any circumstance.
PANDEF described Ozoro as a historically peaceful and cosmopolitan community that hosts a significant number of non-indigenes.
The town, which serves as the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area, is also home to the Delta State University of Science and Technology, attracting a large population of young students from diverse backgrounds.
The group emphasised that all traditional practices, including festivals, must respect the rights and freedoms of residents, particularly non-indigenes who are entitled to their religious beliefs and personal liberties as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
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“Whatever traditional practice, be it a festival or not, must take into account the rights of others, especially non-indigenes, whose freedoms are protected by the Constitution,” the statement read.
PANDEF, however, commended the swift condemnation of the alleged incident by the traditional leadership of the community, including the monarch and the President-General, who publicly denounced the act.
Describing the alleged assault as “barbaric” and unacceptable in modern society, the group insisted that those responsible must be apprehended and prosecuted without delay to serve as a deterrent.
“Those involved in this dastardly act must be brought to book. The world has moved past such barbaric practices, and all traditions must conform to the laws of the state,” the statement added.
The organisation further noted that Ozoro prides itself on having an enlightened and educated leadership under a respected traditional ruler, urging community authorities to implement safeguards to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
PANDEF’s intervention adds to growing public concern over the balance between cultural practices and the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigerian communities.