Legal practitioners and mental health experts have called for the abolition of cultural practices that promote sexual and gender-based violence, warning that such traditions violate fundamental human rights and endanger women.
The stakeholders argued that while culture remains a vital part of society, practices that enable abuse must either be reformed or completely scrapped, stressing that human dignity should take precedence over tradition.
The call follows reports of sexual assault and harassment during the annual Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, where women were allegedly attacked and publicly stripped.
Viral videos from the incident showed groups of youths chasing and assaulting women, sparking widespread outrage and raising concerns over the safety of women at cultural events.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 16 suspects, including a community leader, as investigations into the incident continue.
‘Tradition Must Not Justify Abuse’
Commenting on the development, the Country Vice President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Eliana Martins, described the incident as disturbing and reflective of entrenched harmful practices.
She said attempts to justify such acts under the guise of culture highlighted the urgent need to eliminate traditions that are “repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.”
According to her, gender-based violence infringes on women’s constitutional rights, including freedom of movement, personal safety and dignity.
Martins noted that while Nigeria has laws prohibiting such acts, enforcement remains weak, urging authorities to move beyond condemnation and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted.
“It is not a private matter but a criminal offence that the state must address decisively,” she said.
Calls for Coordinated Action
Also speaking, a legal practitioner and rights advocate, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, emphasised that culture must never be used to legitimise violence.
She maintained that while cultural identity is important, harmful elements within traditions should be reformed or abolished.
“Culture is dynamic and must evolve in ways that protect women and girls,” she said, warning that normalising such abuse encourages impunity and discourages victims from reporting cases.
She called for a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and the media to address the issue.
Psychological Impact Highlighted
On the mental health implications, former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Taiwo Obindo, said survivors of sexual violence risk long-term psychological trauma if not properly supported.
He noted that victims could develop conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, stressing the need for timely psychological intervention.
Obindo also called for improved response systems within healthcare and law enforcement institutions, as well as increased public awareness.
Need for Reform
The experts collectively urged traditional rulers and community leaders to take responsibility for reforming harmful practices, noting that culture should protect, not endanger, members of society.
They added that accountability for perpetrators, alongside sustained advocacy and education, would be key to preventing future occurrences and safeguarding women’s rights.
