A woman’s body is not a site for celebration.

It is not tradition. It is not culture. It is not spectacle.

It is dignity. It is autonomy. It is human.

Recent reports and widely circulated evidence have revealed deeply disturbing incidents of sexual harassment, assault, and public humiliation of women during community festivities in Ozoro, Delta State. These acts are not isolated misbehaviours—they represent a dangerous normalisation of gender-based violence under the guise of communal celebration.

No society that claims dignity for its people can permit such violations to persist—whether silently, culturally excused, or openly enacted.

These actions constitute clear violations of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, as well as the fundamental human rights to dignity, safety, and freedom from degrading treatment as guaranteed under Nigerian law.

Culture must never be weaponised against the bodies of women.

Dear Delta State Government, Delta State Police Command, and Relevant Local Government Authorities in Ozoro, Delta State

Here are our demands:

We, the undersigned, call on the relevant authorities to:

1. Immediately suspend any festival or gathering in Ozoro linked to incidents of sexual violence, pending thorough investigation

2. Ensure the swift identification, arrest, and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in acts of assault and harassment

3. Hold organisers and enablers accountable for negligence or complicity

4. Deploy adequate security personnel to monitor and safeguard all future community events

5. Implement sustained public sensitisation campaigns addressing gender-based violence and the rights of women and girls

6. Enforce the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act without delay or exception

Silence is not neutrality—it is permission.

We refuse a reality where women must disappear indoors to remain safe.

We refuse a culture that demands fear as the price of participation.

We refuse to normalise violence.

This is not merely a call for reform.

It is a demand for protection, for accountability, and for justice.

Women deserve to exist—freely, safely, and without fear—everywhere.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action and the protection of women and girls in Ozoro, Delta State.