Outrage Over Masquerade Assault on Woman at Festival

A disturbing video that circulated on social media depicts a woman being assaulted by a masquerade during the Urhobo cultural festival in Warri, Delta State. The incident, believed to have occurred during the Edjeba festival, shows the woman on the ground beside an open drainage channel, visibly distressed as the masquerade, dressed in red and yellow, repeatedly strikes her with a cane.

The video has triggered widespread outrage, with many social media users expressing anger and calling for investigations into the incident. Critics have highlighted the need for stricter regulations regarding traditional festival practices, questioning the cultural implications of such acts against women.

Notably, Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, along with organizations like Wimbiz and the NBA, has condemned the incident. The backlash follows a previous incident during the Alu Fertil festival in Ozoro, where women were sexually assaulted, leading to arrests and calls for accountability.