Festival Assault Sparks Outrage as Lady Ejiro Umukoro Demands End to Harmful Traditions in Delta
Oru Leonard
Abuja, March 20, 2026 — Prominent human rights advocate, Ejiro Umukoro, has condemned in strong terms the reported assault and rape of women and girls during a community festival in Ozoro, calling for the abolition of cultural practices that enable gender-based violence across Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the President of LightRay! Media described the incident as “heinous, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” stressing that such acts represent a grave violation of human rights and a damaging reflection on society.
“This is a dark chapter for our communities,” she said. “The assault on women and girls under the guise of cultural celebration is not only criminal but deeply inhumane. Individuals captured in circulating videos must be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
She referenced the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, which prescribes life imprisonment for rape, and urged authorities to act swiftly in bringing perpetrators to justice.
Umukoro further called for urgent reforms within law enforcement systems, including the establishment of dedicated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desks in police stations across the Niger Delta to ensure prompt and sensitive handling of such cases.
Condemning traditions that enable abuse, she insisted that any cultural practice that degrades or endangers women must be abolished. She stressed the need for accountability among men and boys, as well as stronger parental responsibility in raising children with respect for women.
Highlighting the broader implications, she warned that such incidents tarnish the image of Delta State and undermine efforts to promote the region positively.
Key Recommendations
Umukoro outlined a series of measures to address the crisis:
Immediate Prosecution: Ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice under existing laws.
Victim Support Systems: Establish shelters and crisis centres offering medical and psychological care.
Community Reform: Engage traditional leaders and stakeholders to eliminate harmful practices.
Legal Enforcement: Strengthen domestication and enforcement of protective laws at the state level.
Public Education: Promote awareness campaigns on consent, respect, and consequences of abuse.
She emphasized that tackling gender-based violence requires confronting deep-rooted cultural norms, improving education, and ensuring effective enforcement of laws.
Umukoro also called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the protection of national systems through the enforcement of the Critical National Information Infrastructure framework, noting its importance in safeguarding essential services.
“This moment demands collective responsibility,” she added. “We must build a society where women and girls are safe, respected, and empowered to live without fear.”
The statement serves as a call to action for government institutions, law enforcement agencies, traditional authorities, and civil society groups to work collaboratively in ending violence against women and restoring public confidence.
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