By Chika Kwamba
A non-governmental organization, Civil Rights Council, has called on the Delta State Government, law enforcement agencies, and other key stakeholders to abolish all traditions that trample on the human rights of girls and women.
The Civil Rights Council also threw its weight behind victims of the alleged assault on girls and women in Ozoro Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, reportedly carried out under the guise of the Alue-Edo Festival.
This was contained in a press release signed by the Coordinator in Asaba, Delta State, Joy Edigbine. In the statement, she urged the Delta State Government to swing into swift action “to ensure that all traditions targeting violent attacks on women and girls in the name of culture are abolished.”
“We implore the Delta State Police Command and other law enforcement agencies to ensure an unbiased investigation, and that all perpetrators of this barbaric act are arrested and brought to book.
“Any community leader(s), traditional institutions, or local authorities that act as facilitators of these heinous crimes must be made to face the full wrath of the law, as such acts normalize lawlessness and endanger citizens, especially the vulnerable.
“Sexual violence leaves deep physical and psychological scars on its victims and their families. Therefore, we make an earnest request that medical and psychological support be provided for the victims, and that adequate protection from any form of intimidation be ensured,” she stated.
Additionally, she noted that the organization, which is committed to the advancement of the rule of law, democracy, human rights, accountability, and probity in governance, stands in solidarity with the victims and their families. She emphasized its opposition to cultural justification of gender-based violence while advocating for justice.
