A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked widespread outrage after showing a woman being physically assaulted during a cultural festival in Delta State, with many Nigerians demanding an investigation and tighter regulation of traditional festival practices.
The incident is believed to have occurred during the Urheovware, an Urhobo cultural festival held in Edjeba, Warri South Local Government Area, 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 masked man dressed in a red-and-yellow costume repeatedly strikes her with a cane-like object. Barefoot and visibly distressed, she attempts to shield herself and crawl away while the assault continues amid onlookers.
Despite her efforts to escape, the masquerade is seen persisting in the attack before eventually walking away, leaving the woman seated at the edge of the drainage, crying in pain.
The footage has triggered strong reactions online, with many users condemning the act and calling for accountability. Some described it as abusive and dehumanising, while others questioned the treatment of women in certain traditional practices and demanded government intervention.
One user, #gidado_sadik, questioned whether the state had recently witnessed similar incidents, while others expressed concern over what they described as recurring patterns of violence against women in cultural settings. Another user, #Utukviktor, criticised the act as a distortion of culture, arguing that traditions elsewhere celebrate heritage rather than promote violence.
Several commenters also called on both the Federal Government and the Delta State Government to investigate and prosecute those responsible, insisting that cultural practices should not be used to justify assault. Others expressed anger, with some describing the act as “shameful” and “barbaric.”
Commentator Daniel Regha also reacted, describing the incident as unacceptable and urging that cultural practices that encourage abuse should be reformed, adding that perpetrators must face consequences.
The incident has also revived memories of previous controversies in the state, including viral reports from the Alue-Do (fertility) festival in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, where videos showed women being chased and sexually assaulted by groups of young men. That episode drew national condemnation from government officials, women’s rights groups, and professional bodies, leading to arrests and investigations by the police.
As of press time, authorities in Delta State have not issued an official statement on the latest viral video, while calls for a full investigation continue to grow across social media.
