In a statement, the group decried reports that women were forcefully assaulted, stripped and violated in broad daylight during the event, noting that such acts could not be justified under any cultural or traditional practice.
“What happened was not culture; it was criminality,” the group said, stressing that the incident represented one of the most brazen forms of gender-based violence against women who should ordinarily feel safe within their communities.
While acknowledging the swift intervention of the Delta State Police Command in arresting the alleged organiser and other suspects, BPW Nigeria insisted that arrests alone were insufficient. It called for a thorough investigation and transparent prosecution to ensure justice is served.
“Justice requires consequences that leave no doubt that violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstance, and certainly not under the guise of tradition,” the group stated.
BPW Nigeria noted that the incident violated Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person, as well as provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the Criminal Code. It added that the acts also contravened Nigeria’s international obligations under conventions such as CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol.
The group demanded the full prosecution of all perpetrators, including organisers, participants and any enablers, with independent oversight to prevent compromise of the judicial process. It also called for the investigation and sanction of traditional authorities in the affected community, urging that any leader found culpable or negligent be removed in line with applicable laws.
In addition, BPW Nigeria advocated the regulation of cultural festivals across the country to ensure compliance with human rights and public safety standards, while calling for comprehensive support for victims, including medical care, psychosocial services, legal aid and witness protection.
The group further urged the Federal Government and the Delta State Government to enforce existing legal frameworks, while calling on traditional rulers nationwide to ensure that cultural events do not become platforms for abuse.
It also appealed to civil society organisations, professional bodies and the media to sustain advocacy efforts until justice is achieved.
Describing the incident as a stark reminder of the insecurity faced by many women, BPW Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the victims and vowed to pursue all lawful measures, including strategic litigation, to ensure accountability.
“An injury to one woman is an injury to all,” the statement added.
