Again, a disturbing video from Delta State is circulating showing a woman being assaulted during a cultural festival, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for an investigation and stricter regulation of traditional festival practices.
The incident is believed to have occurred during the Urheovware, an Urhobo Cultural Festival in Edjeba, Warri South, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the circumstances surrounding the viral footage.
In the video, the woman is seen lying on the ground beside an open drainage channel, screaming as a masquerade dressed in a red-and-yellow costume repeatedly strikes her with a cane-like object. She is barefoot, visibly distressed, and attempts to shield herself while crawling away from the attack.
Despite her attempts to escape, the masquerade continues the assault as onlookers watch. The clip later shows the woman sitting on the edge of the drainage, crying out in pain while the masquerade walks away from the scene.
The video triggered immediate backlash online, with users expressing anger, shock, and criticism of the act.
A user identified as #gidado_sadik wrote, “Is this not the state where they had a rape festival few weeks ago? Why women, why not the masquerade try it with men.”
Another user, #datguyabdull, questioned the broader cultural implications, “Pardon my curiosity but why are women treated this way in many southern Nigerian states? The other day it was them being subjected to a disgusting r*pe culture.”
User #9jaintelligence added, “Lol.. na helpless woman una dey show stunt on lol.. same or worse fate awaits your sisters and offsprings.. meanwhile, I’ll be here when Nemesis catches up on you.. and it’s just a couple days away.”
Reacting strongly, #Utukviktor wrote, “See the trash Nigerians call culture… other countries display the beauty of traditions, music, beliefs and attire.
“In Nigeria it’s something else. Shame to say this people, it’s time to banish this nonsense.”
#abbeyweb121 simply stated, “This is totally wrong oo, why beating innocent woman because tradition.”
User #d_prayers called for government intervention, “The Federal Government and Delta State Government needs to go after this Urhobo clown who use masquerade to assault women. This is too much.”
A more emotional reaction came from #Man_like_Baron, who wrote, “The masquerade no born well to beat my sister like this… God punish that useless tradition.”
Criticism also came from #LokoGeee, who said, Flog one person daughter like this… sometimes these folks are casually so evil that you’re forced to understand why they’re poor.”
Designer and commentator #Bas_see_duk wrote,“I am ashamed of how disgraceful Nigeria is. If my foreign friends mock me, I won’t even be angry, I’ll just be in regrets being born in this side of the world.”
Popular commentator Daniel Regha also weighed in, saying, Another nonsense from Delta State… some traditions need to be changed. Culture doesn’t excuse bad behaviour. It’s long overdue for culprits to face serious penalty.”
He further referenced previous incidents, urging authorities to act decisively and ensure accountability.
PUNCH Online had reported that viral videos from the annual Alue-Do (fertility) festival in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, showed groups of young men chasing, stripping, groping, and sexually assaulting women and female students in public. One disturbing clip depicted a woman forced onto all fours with her bra torn while being molested.
The incidents sparked nationwide outrage, with condemnations from the Delta State Government, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and groups like WIMBIZ and the NBA, who called it barbaric and a stain on womanhood.
Police later arrested 15–18 suspects, including a community leader/organiser, and are investigating. While some social media called it a “rape festival,” authorities stated no formal rape complaints were filed; the four women who reported described sexual assault and humiliation but denied being raped.
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