The Founder, School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Dr Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has called on the police to arrest and immediately prosecute all identified perpetrators in the sexual assault on women in the Ozoro community in Delta State.

In a statement at the weekend, she noted that Nigerians “must collectively act firmly or risk enabling a dangerous precedent” in other matters where Nigeria normalised impunity.

A festival in Ozoro was turned into horror last week as women, young and old, were sexually harassed. Though, community leaders claim the assault was by unidentified youths who hijacked the event.

Taking none of such defences, Ezekwesili said the moment “demands more than reactive arrests”, but a public accountability process led by the Delta State Government; clear deterrent signals through swift judicial action; nationwide reinforcement of zero tolerance for gender-based violence and strengthening of community-level intelligence and policing systems.

According to the former minister, the scale and coordination of the sexual attacks on girls and women in repulsive videos and images suggest that those criminal violations of women were not at all spontaneous.

“It, therefore, raises urgent questions about intelligence, community policing and the visible presence or absence of law enforcement. The failure of governance is evident in the deeply disgusting, disgraceful and completely unacceptable acts that depraved men audaciously perpetrated in that community.

“There is no culture, no tradition and no circumstance that justifies the assault of women. What occurred in that Ozoro community was not cultural expression; it was criminal violation and violence against women,” she said.

She alleged that the sexual assault, which she described as dangerous and criminal, was organised by criminals who believe there would be no consequences for their acts of depravity.

She added: “When a society begins to warn women to stay indoors to avoid being attacked, instead of restraining and punishing those who commit such acts, that society is signalling a total collapse of law, order and moral leadership.

“Delta government and the Nigeria Police Force led by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, must move beyond the statements made. Every individual involved must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay. Justice must be visible, swift and decisive.”

But beyond enforcement, the former Vice President of the World Bank called on Nigerians, especially political and traditional leaders, communities and organisations to reflect on the moment, going forward.

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