PRESS STATEMENT BY RESISTANCE AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ANTI-POOR POLICIES (ROSA)

The disturbing reports surrounding what has been described as the “Ozoro rape festival” in Ozoro have sparked outrage across Nigeria and beyond. A town with a large student population, due to the presence of Delta State University of Science and Technology, has now become the centre of a deeply troubling controversy. While available evidence suggests that this is not a historically established “festival of rape” but rather alleged incidents of sexual violence occurring around a traditional celebration, the implications remain alarming.

This situation exposes not only the vulnerability of women and girls but also the structural failures that allow such violence to occur. It is a reflection of deeper systemic contradictions rooted in patriarchy, class inequality, and systemic failure. Some reports suggest that warnings were issued advising women to remain indoors. This raises critical questions: why should any tradition restrict the movement of women? Why are women consistently the victims of harmful cultural practices?

Some of the videos circulating online are deeply disturbing. They show women being attacked in broad daylight, with claims that they had broken certain “festival rules”. Some were raped and stripped; others were touched without consent, and many were humiliated. There are also claims that student hostels were invaded. This shows that even staying indoors did not guarantee safety. In a situation like this, there is really nowhere to hide.

What is happening in Ozoro reflects a problem deeply rooted in patriarchy. Gender-based violence is a serious issue globally. In developing countries like Nigeria, these crises increase tenfold. Newer reports indicate that as many as 3 in 5 Nigerians (60%) have been impacted by GBV in various forms. Many cases of rape and assault are recorded, and many more are never reported. A lot of women and girls experience some form of harassment and assault in their lifetime, which is mostly by known individuals. 

One major problem is that survivors rarely get justice. Many people don’t report cases because they are afraid of being blamed or not taken seriously. Even when cases are reported, the response from authorities is often slow or dismissive. This creates a situation where perpetrators feel they can act without consequences. In cases where justice is served, the culprits are not properly persecuted, which may lead to cases of ‘image washing’, such as a case study of a Yoruba Nollywood actor that was recently released after serving 5 years for assaulting a minor.

The kind of society we live in, one attributed with widespread poverty, unemployment, and frustration, will eventually create a tense environment. While this does not excuse violence, it helps explain why it can become more common. A system that leaves many people struggling to survive can also produce harmful behaviours.

At the same time, patriarchy plays a big role. In many communities, women are still seen as less important, a mere property or object of male desires and wants, which makes freedom for women rather vague. There are still cultures where women can’t inherit properties or buy landed properties without the consent of a man. When these ideas are combined with poverty and weak laws, it creates a dangerous situation where violence can thrive.

The role of the government cannot be ignored. Security agencies are often either lacking knowledge on how to address issues like this, lacking the necessary skills, underprepared or unwilling to properly handle cases of sexual violence. Many people do not trust the police, and situations like this only make that worse.

There have also been worrying reactions from some law enforcement officers. When the Ozoro case started gaining attention, a police spokesperson in Delta State, SP Bright Edafe, made inappropriate sexual remarks online before deleting them due to backlash. This kind of behaviour shows that even those in authority sometimes do not take these issues seriously, which discourages victims from speaking out. Although there have been reports of arrests, many people are still not convinced that justice will be served. This lack of confidence in the system is part of the problem, and this is deeply rooted in a system that cares less about the ordinary people.

Another major issue is lack of proper education. Many young people grow up without being taught about consent, respect, boundaries, or healthy relationships. This makes it easier for harmful behaviours to continue. In a society where violence is already common, silence and ignorance only make things worse. Solving this problem will take more than just public anger; it requires education in schools, workplaces, religious centres and communities, both offline and online. Real change is needed. There has to be better education, especially in schools, where young people can learn about consent, equality, and respect. This kind of knowledge can help change attitudes over time.

The justice system also needs serious improvement. Cases of sexual violence should be handled quickly and properly, and survivors should be supported and protected instead of ignored. There should also be consequences for those who fail to do their jobs appropriately.

Economic condition is another factor that influences this situation. When people have access to jobs, decent wages, and support systems, it can reduce some of the pressures that contribute to social problems. Women, in particular, need economic independence so they are not forced into vulnerable situations.

Communities also have a role to play. Students, youth groups, and local organisations can help raise awareness and challenge harmful practices. Traditions or cultures should not be used as an excuse for violence. They should be questioned and changed where necessary. Support for survivors is also very important, and this should include access to healthcare, counselling, and safe spaces. No one should have to go through such trauma alone.

Religious and traditional leaders should also speak up as they have influence, and they can help promote messages of respect and non-violence instead of silence or denial. If real change is to happen, society must confront both gender inequality and the economic conditions that make violence more likely. It is not just about stopping one incident; it is about preventing future ones. No woman should have to live in fear. And no community should be known for violence against women.

Without a campaign for a change in the political and economic system, it will be hard to have a country that is free of sexual assault, harassment and rape. A system where all genders are seen and treated as equal. A system where half of the country’s population is not treated as subordinate but as leaders and potentials to move the nation forward. 

Signed

Jimoh Abibat

Coordinator, ROSA-Nigeria