NAPTIP Breaks Silence on Failure to Detect Delta Festival Incident Early

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has explained why it did not detect the alleged sexual assaults linked to a festival in Delta State before the incident went viral.

According to the agency, the acts only came to its attention after disturbing videos of the incident surfaced on social media, sparking nationwide outrage and condemnation.

NAPTIP noted that the festival, identified as the ‘Alue-Do’ celebration in Ozoro, was a community-based traditional event and not one previously flagged to the agency as a potential risk area. As such, there was no prior intelligence or formal report that could have triggered early intervention.

The agency emphasised that its operations are largely intelligence-driven and dependent on reports, tips, or prior indications of trafficking or abuse-related risks before deployment or monitoring can occur.

It added that once the videos emerged showing women being chased, stripped and assaulted during the event, it immediately swung into action by condemning the incident and supporting ongoing investigations by security agencies.

NAPTIP also commended the Nigeria Police for swiftly arresting suspects, including organisers linked to the festival, and reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for victims and preventing a recurrence.

The incident, which occurred during the controversial fertility rite, has drawn widespread criticism, with authorities stressing that no cultural practice should be used as a cover for criminal acts.

The agency further assured the public that it would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance and response mechanisms, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence.

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