Lady Ejiro Umukoro, renowned human rights advocate and President of LightRay! Media, has called for immediate and decisive action following the recent attack and reported assaults, and rape of women and girls during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
Describing the incident as “heinous and unacceptable,” she strongly condemned the act and urged all stakeholders to work together to address the growing scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Niger Delta.
“This is a dark moment for our society,” Lady Umukoro said in a statement issued today. “The attack on women and girls during a community festival is not just a violation of their rights, but a stain on our collective humanity.
Those caught on video committing these horrific crimes must face the full weight of the law. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act is clear: rape is punishable by life imprisonment, and we demand swift justice for the victims.”
Lady Umukoro called on law enforcement agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify the perpetrators, and prosecute them without delay.
She also emphasized the need for systemic reforms to prevent such acts from recurring, including the establishment of Gender-Based Violence Desks in police stations across the Niger Delta to ensure sensitive and timely responses to GBV cases.
She adds that “Any tradition that mistreats women or gives men silent power or overt permission to violate, assault, demean or rape women must be be abolished.
All the boys and men caught in this act shown in the many videos must be jailed.
Boys and men must begin to learn accountability and respect for women. Women who give birth to nations cannot be treated in this manner.
The consequences have to be severe to stop this madness. Parents must become more accountable in how they’re raising their boys to men.
Imagine what kind of nasty image this has caused to the Delta Brand? Press releases won’t cut it.
There has to be consequences. And this festival hidden under the guise of the tradition of misogynistic behaviour and permission must be abolished across all communities with any of these so-called ancient practices.
That’s the only way to rebrand Delta State and it’s men.”
*Key Recommendations from Lady Ejiro Umukoro:*
1. *Swift Justice*: Perpetrators of this heinous act must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law under the VAPP Act, which prescribes life imprisonment for rape.
2. *Support for Survivors*: Establish safe houses and crisis centers to provide medical care, psychological support, and shelter for victims of GBV.
3. *Community Advocacy*: Traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations must work together to abolish harmful cultural practices that enable violence against women.
4. *Legislative Action*: State governments in the Niger Delta must adopt and enforce the VAPP Act to provide localized protection and justice for women and girls.
5. *Education and Awareness*: Comprehensive education programs on consent, respect, and the consequences of GBV should be implemented to engage men and boys as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.
Speaking further, Lady Umukoro highlighted the urgent need to address the root causes of GBV, including cultural norms that perpetuate violence, inadequate education, and weak enforcement of protective laws.
“We must create a Niger Delta where women and girls can live without fear of violence or discrimination. This is not just a women’s issue, it is a societal issue that requires all of us to act,” she stated.
She also urged the Federal Government to prioritize the enforcement of the Executive Order designating telecommunications and digital infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), noting that such measures would help protect critical systems that support education, security, and financial services, which are often disrupted by acts of violence.
*A Call to Collective Action*
“This is a wake-up call for all of us,” Lady Umukoro said. “We must take a stand against gender-based violence and build a society where women are not just protected but empowered to thrive.
Let us work together to ensure that every woman and girl in the Niger Delta can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.”
Lady Ejiro Umukoro’s call to action is a rallying cry for governments, law enforcement agencies, traditional institutions, civil society, and citizens to come together and address the systemic issues that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
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