The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) stated that it did not detect the alleged “rape festival” in Ozoro, Delta State, earlier because it does not currently have an operational command or office in the state.

In response to public criticism regarding its lack of awareness of the “age-long culture,” the agency explained that it “cannot be everywhere at all times” and relies on societal participation to report such incidents.

The agency stressed that combating human trafficking and gender-based violence requires the active participation of all sectors of society.

A Facebook user identified as Chukwunenye Nweke had asked why the agency was not aware of the age-long culture.

“Did the festival start this month that NAPTIP Nigeria did not know about it before now?

“Well, since the evil and criminal act is tagged as tradition, I believe it has passed many generations. What were you doing since then?” Nweke had asked NAPTIP.

Responding to the question from the Facebook user, NAPTIP said, “As you know, we cannot be everywhere at all times. Currently, we do not have a command yet in the Delta State. Fighting this menace needs an approach from all of society.

“If you see something, say something. Going forward, we implore you to use your page and try to spread the information on the ills and dangers of Human Trafficking and Sexual and Gender-based violence.”

The agency had earlier strongly condemned the alleged assaults, describing the acts as violations of human rights and dignity and a form of gender-based violence.

“We commend the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their swift response and arrests of suspects, including the organizer and the community head.

“NAPTIP shall continue to support all actions aimed at ensuring justice for the victims as well as preventing the recurrence of such crimes in the future,” it said.

PUNCH Online had reported that the incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, during an annual festival in Ozoro.

Viral videos circulating on social media showed groups of men attacking women in public, forcefully tearing their clothes, and subjecting them to various forms of molestation.

Some accounts further allege that certain victims may have been raped, though these claims have not been officially verified.

According to local sources, the festival reportedly includes an expectation that women remain indoors during the event, with those found outside allegedly becoming targets for harassment.

The disturbing footage has sparked widespread outrage, prompting debates about cultural practices that may perpetuate violence against women.

The 31 All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors are set to gather in Lagos today for a high-level meeting expected to shape key political and policy directions within the ruling party.

Hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the session is being held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island.

The meeting brings together members of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), at a time when internal coordination and national strategy remain top priorities for the party.

The session will be hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. It is scheduled to take place at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island later today.

The choice of Lagos is significant, as it coincides with the stay of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state for the Eid-el-Fitr holiday before his return to Abuja.

The meeting is expected to draw participation from all APC governors across the country. As it stands, the party controls 31 out of Nigeria’s 36 states.

This strong presence has continued to grow in recent months, largely driven by defections from opposition parties and shifting political alliances at the state level. The development has further strengthened the APC’s hold across the federation.

Sources within the party indicate that discussions at the meeting will centre on aligning policies at the state level with the programmes of the federal government. Governors are also expected to review ongoing reforms and explore ways to improve governance delivery in their respective states.

Party insiders say the forum may also examine the country’s economic direction, especially in light of recent fiscal and monetary adjustments. There are expectations that governors will exchange ideas on how to manage the impact of these policies on citizens, while maintaining support for federal initiatives.

Security is also likely to feature prominently on the agenda. With varying challenges across regions, governors are expected to share updates from their states and consider coordinated approaches to addressing threats. The role of sub-national governments in supporting national security efforts may be revisited during the deliberations.

The PGF, which is chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has in recent times positioned itself as a key policy support bloc for the federal government.

The forum has consistently emphasized unity within the party and collaboration among states as essential to national development.

Today’s gathering comes months after the forum last met in Lagos in December 2025 at the same venue.

Governor Bala Mohammed has declared that forests across Bauchi State are now free of bandits following sustained security operations, especially in the Alkaleri axis which had witnessed repeated attacks in recent weeks.

This announcement follows intensive military operations aimed at dislodging criminal elements that had previously occupied “ungoverned spaces” within the state.

The governor spoke on Saturday at the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar held at Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu Square in Bauchi, where he said joint efforts by the Nigerian military and other security agencies forced criminal groups out of their hideouts and pushed them beyond the state’s borders.

The statement comes after recent attacks on communities including Mansur and Gwana in Alkaleri Local Government Area that had raised fresh security concerns among residents.

“Today, I can confidently say that there are no bandits harbouring in any forest in Bauchi State. Our forests have been cleared through decisive military action and improved intelligence gathering,” the governor said.

Mohammed praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their role in stabilising the affected areas, noting that their operations had helped restore calm in Alkaleri and neighbouring communities.

He urged residents to remain alert and support security agencies with useful information, stressing that public cooperation is necessary to sustain the progress already made.

The governor also used the occasion to seek forgiveness from the people of the state as his administration moves toward the end of its second term next year.

“As my tenure gradually comes to an end, I find it necessary to seek your forgiveness for any wrongs, knowing fully that no human is perfect,” he said.

He assured citizens that his government would continue to execute ongoing projects in key sectors such as healthcare, education and road construction until the end of the administration.

The governor added that his administration would sustain close collaboration with traditional institutions, saying the partnership remains essential for peace, security and social harmony in the state.