A West Africa Special Envoy under the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 framework has strongly condemned reports of an alleged “rape festival” in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the practice as “barbaric” and calling for immediate arrests and international intervention.
In a strongly worded statement, Ambassador Zino Lexili Ogazi expressed outrage over what she described as the violation of women under the guise of cultural practice, insisting that no tradition should justify abuse.
“As a daughter of West Africa… I stand with the unyielding energy of a generation that refuses to stay silent to say: culture is a crown, not a weapon,” she stated.
The envoy, who represents youth interests under the UN’s Youth, Peace and Security agenda, questioned the legitimacy of any cultural practice that permits harm against women.
“It is appalling that in 2026, we are still debating the ‘cultural’ right of men to hunt women like animals,” she said.
Calls Out Traditional Leadership
Amb. Ogazi directed sharp criticism at traditional authorities in Ozoro, including chiefs and elders, accusing them of failing to protect women in their communities.
“If you sat in your homes while women were being hunted and stripped of their dignity… you are not leaders; you are enablers and accomplices,” she stated.
Her remarks come amid growing outrage on social media, where videos and testimonies allegedly linked to the incident have been circulating, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
Push for International Action
The Special Envoy has called on regional bodies, including the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to investigate the incident as a potential violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
She also urged members of the Nigerian diaspora to use their global platforms to amplify the issue and ensure it is not dismissed as a local cultural matter.
“The world is watching,” she said, stressing the need for sustained pressure to compel action from authorities.
Monitoring Government Response
Amb. Ogazi indicated that her office would closely monitor legal proceedings in Delta State, warning that failure to prosecute offenders would signal a breakdown of justice.
“If the Delta State and Federal Government do not ensure that every perpetrator caught on camera is prosecuted… it will be a confession that there is no justice in this land,” she cautioned.
Demands for Immediate Action
The envoy outlined a series of demands directed at Nigerian authorities, including the immediate abolition of the alleged practice, the arrest and prosecution of suspects, and stronger protections for women.
“The time for condemnation is over,” she stated. “We demand action.”
She emphasized that violence against women cannot be excused under cultural narratives, urging authorities to act decisively.
“When you violate a woman, you commit a murder of the spirit,” she said.
Growing Pressure for Accountability
The statement adds to mounting pressure on Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident and ensure accountability, as activists and civil society groups continue to call for justice.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from authorities in Delta State regarding the allegations.
However, the issue continues to gain traction online under hashtags such as #JusticeForOzoro and #EndSGBV, with campaigners demanding swift intervention.
Amb. Ogazi concluded her statement with a direct message to the Nigerian government: “Act now. We will not stop until every perpetrator is behind bars.”
