The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has stated that it was unaware of the alleged sexual assaults and molestation of women during an annual festival in Ozoro, Delta State, because the agency currently has no operational command in the state.
The clarification came on Saturday in response to public criticism on social media questioning why NAPTIP had not acted earlier on what some described as a long-standing “tradition” involving harassment of women.
A Facebook user, Chukwunenye Nweke, had challenged the agency: “Did the festival start this month that NAPTIP Nigeria did not know about it before now? Well, since the evil and criminal act is tagged as tradition, I believe it has passed many generations. What were you doing since then?”
In its reply, NAPTIP explained: “As you know, we cannot be everywhere at all times. Currently, we do not have a command yet in Delta State. Fighting this menace needs an approach from all of society. If you see something, say something.”
The agency urged the public, including social media users, to actively report incidents and help raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence.
NAPTIP had earlier issued a strong condemnation of the incidents, which occurred on Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the annual festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area.
Viral videos that surfaced on social media showed groups of men publicly attacking women, forcibly tearing their clothes, and subjecting them to various forms of molestation and humiliation. Some unverified accounts further alleged that certain victims may have been raped during the assaults.
Local accounts indicate that the festival reportedly includes a cultural expectation for women to remain indoors throughout the event, with those found outside allegedly becoming targets for harassment by participants.
NAPTIP described the acts as grave violations of human rights and dignity, as well as clear instances of gender-based violence.
The agency commended the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their prompt response, which led to the arrest of several suspects, including the festival organizer and the community head.
“NAPTIP shall continue to support all actions aimed at ensuring justice for the victims as well as preventing the recurrence of such crimes in the future,” the statement added.
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