General News
Minister Condemns Sexual Violence In Ozoro, Demands Full Enforcement Of Law
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has strongly condemned reported cases of sexual violence against women in Ozoro, describing the incidents as disturbing, unacceptable, and a violation of human dignity and the rule of law.
In a press statement issued on March 20, 2026, and signed by Ahmed Lawan Danbazau, Head of Press and Public Relations, the Ministry expressed deep concern over allegations that women were subjected to sexual assault and harassment during activities linked to a local festival in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Ministry noted that the reports, widely discussed in public space as indicative of “rape culture,” are contrary to societal values and legal protections guaranteed under Nigerian law.
It emphasized that no cultural or traditional practice can justify sexual violence, citing provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), which prohibits all forms of violence, criminalises harmful traditional practices, and outlaws cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls, ensuring that victims are not silenced or denied justice.
The Ministry also commended the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, for the prompt response to the incident and called for a transparent, thorough, and expedited investigation to bring all perpetrators to justice.
It further pledged to collaborate with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to provide immediate support for victims, including psychosocial services, medical care, and legal assistance.
Beyond the immediate response, the Ministry said it would intensify engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address harmful cultural norms and strengthen accountability at the community level.
The Ministry urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, stressing that collective vigilance is essential to ensuring justice and preventing future occurrences.
The United States is deploying thousands of Marines along with an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East in a move officials say is designed to deter further escalation in the region.
The deployment comes amid rising tensions after Iran threatened and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supplies.
The amphibious assault ship, part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, will carry helicopters, fighters, and amphibious vehicles, giving the U.S. the ability to project force quickly on land and at sea. Pentagon officials describe the operation as primarily defensive, intended to reassure U.S. allies and deter hostile actions.
Experts warn that the deployment underscores growing concerns of a broader conflict, following recent attacks and counterattacks involving Iran and Israel. The announcement has already caused global oil prices to spike, reflecting fears of further supply disruptions in the Gulf.
While the U.S. is not signalling a full-scale invasion. The reinforcement highlights Washington’s readiness to protect strategic interests and maintain regional stability amid ongoing hostilities.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has honoured a Nigerian Army Staff Sergeant, Amoke Gunshot Simeon, for his role in dismantling the criminal network of notorious kidnap kingpin, Obioma Nwankwo, popularly known as “Osisikankwu.”
The governor also approved full sponsorship for the soldier’s medical treatment abroad, in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
Simeon was part of the military team that tracked and neutralised the feared criminal, whose gang terrorised Aba and surrounding communities between 2008 and 2010, forcing many residents to flee the state at the time.
During a visit to the soldier at his residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Otti commended his integrity and dedication to duty, noting that such acts of courage should be rewarded to encourage others in service.
The soldier, who sustained severe injuries in a motor accident while on deployment in the North-East, expressed gratitude to the governor for the intervention, describing it as life-changing.
Simeon also revealed that he rejected a ₦50 million bribe allegedly offered by the late kingpin during the operation, choosing instead to remain committed to his duty.
Governor Otti’s gesture underscores the state government’s commitment to recognising security personnel who have contributed to restoring peace and stability in Abia.
Former Liberian president and football legend George Weah has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over its controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, urging the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the ruling.
CAF’s Appeal Board recently nullified Senegal’s 1–0 victory over Morocco in the AFCON final held in Rabat, citing a rule violation after Senegalese players temporarily walked off the pitch during a disputed penalty incident. The board subsequently awarded Morocco a 3–0 win by forfeit, officially naming them champions.
Reacting to the development, Weah described the decision as a dangerous precedent for football, insisting that results achieved on the pitch should remain final. He argued that the referee is the ultimate authority during a match and that post-match rulings should not override completed games.
“This travesty must not stand,” Weah said, calling on CAS to intervene and restore what he described as fairness and integrity in African football.
The decision has sparked widespread outrage across Senegal and the broader football community, with fans, players, and officials condemning the ruling as unjust. Critics argue that overturning a completed match undermines the credibility of the sport and raises concerns about governance within CAF.
Senegal’s football federation has already confirmed plans to challenge the verdict at CAS, setting the stage for a potentially landmark legal battle that could redefine how football disputes are handled on the continent.