Nigerian youths on Sunday staged a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling for justice for victims of an alleged sexual assault reportedly linked to a fertility festival in Ozoro.
The demonstrators, under the “End The Rape Culture” campaign, expressed outrage over disturbing reports and viral videos said to show victims crying out for help during the incident.
Speaking at the protest, the Executive Director of Hacey Health Initiative, Rhoda Robinson, described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that it highlights a wider societal issue.
“It is heartbreaking. I keep asking myself, what if it were me? This is a stark reminder that rape culture still exists,” she said.
Robinson explained that when the campaign was launched alongside Sunshine Rosman and other advocates, there were claims that such issues were no longer prevalent in Nigeria. She, however, challenged that position, stressing that many survivors are still silenced, blamed, and denied justice.
“How can anyone say rape culture does not exist when victims are still being silenced and justice remains elusive?” she queried.
She further cited data suggesting that a significant number of women and girls in Nigeria experience sexual violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and societal pressure. According to her, even reported cases often fail to result in justice.
Robinson also referenced the case of Ochanya Ogbanje, who suffered prolonged abuse and later died from related complications, describing it as a reminder of the vulnerability faced by many young girls.
“The reality is harsh: victims are blamed, families suppress the truth, and systems fail to protect. Women and girls continue to face oppression, and this must change. We need stronger safeguards, effective laws, and consistent justice,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, visited the affected area alongside senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, as part of efforts to address the situation.
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