Activists Demand Nationwide Ban on Harmful Traditional Curfews After Ozoro Festival Outrage

A coalition of women’s rights advocates led by lawyer and activist Funmi Falana has called on the Nigerian government to outlaw traditional curfews and similar practices across the country, following public outrage over events in Ozoro, Delta State described as a “rape festival.”

The Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) group criticized the use of unofficial movement restrictions tied to cultural festivals, saying they violate fundamental rights and create unsafe conditions — particularly for women and girls. The organization highlighted disturbing reports from Ozoro, where incidents of harassment and assault were linked to a local celebration.

WELA’s leader, Funmi Falana — a known campaigner for women’s rights in Nigeria — emphasized that no traditional practice should override constitutional protections such as freedom of movement and personal safety. The group argued that when curfews are enforced through intimidation or violence, they become unlawful and should be banned nationwide.

The call comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Ozoro incident, which has drawn condemnation from civil society, federal authorities, and legal bodies against gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices.