WIMBIZ demands justice for victims of Ozoro festival assaults 

…calls for passage of Gender Bill

Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators involved in the recent assault of women and girls during the Ozoro festival in Delta State, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights.
In a strongly worded statement, the organisation condemned the attacks, stressing that acts of gender-based violence and sexual assault must not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“These acts are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need to protect the safety, dignity and rights of women at all times,” WIMBIZ stated.
The group warned that the incident is not an isolated case but a reflection of deeper cultural and structural issues affecting women across communities in Nigeria.
“This situation underscores broader societal challenges that continue to put women at risk in public and cultural spaces,” the organisation said.
WIMBIZ emphasised that ending violence against women requires a coordinated and collective response from all stakeholders, including government, traditional institutions, law enforcement agencies and civil society groups.
“Women must be able to participate fully in all aspects of life without fear,” the statement added.
The organisation acknowledged the government’s directive for the swift arrest of those responsible, noting that justice must not only be done but seen to be done.
“We welcome the call for swift action and will continue to monitor developments while advocating for accountability,” WIMBIZ said.
Beyond immediate justice, the group stressed the need for long-term structural reforms to address the root causes of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
It specifically called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening legal protections for women.
“Legal frameworks like the Gender Bill are essential to institutionalise protections, define penalties and shift societal norms toward zero tolerance for gender-based violence,” the statement noted.
WIMBIZ further insisted that cultural or social gatherings must never serve as a cover for abuse or violence against women.
“Cultural or social settings must never become grounds for abuse. Decisive action with zero tolerance must be the standard,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment, the organisation expressed solidarity with all victims of the Ozoro festival incident and pledged to continue its advocacy.
“We stand in solidarity with all affected women and girls and will continue to push for justice, accountability and systemic change,” WIMBIZ declared.