The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has explained why it failed to detect the alleged sexual assaults linked to a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, attributing the lapse to its lack of operational presence in the state.
The agency stated on Saturday that it was unaware of the incidents prior to their emergence on social media, noting that it currently has no command office in Delta.
NAPTIP’s response followed a query by a Facebook user, Chukwunenye Nweke, who questioned the agency’s silence over what he described as an age-long practice.
Responding, the agency said it cannot be everywhere at all times, stressing that tackling human trafficking and gender-based violence requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society.
“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,” the agency said.
It urged citizens to report suspicious activities and raise awareness on the dangers of human trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence.
NAPTIP had earlier condemned the alleged assaults, describing them as gross violations of human rights and dignity.
The agency also commended the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for its swift intervention, including the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
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“We commend the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their swift response and arrests of suspects, including the organiser and the community head,” it added.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on March 19 during an annual festival in Ozoro, has sparked nationwide outrage following the circulation of disturbing videos online.
The footage showed groups of men allegedly attacking women in public, tearing their clothes and subjecting them to various forms of molestation. While some accounts claim that rape occurred, authorities have yet to officially confirm such reports.
Local sources said the festival allegedly includes a controversial practice requiring women to remain indoors, with those seen outside becoming targets for harassment.
