By Ridwanullah Sakariyah
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has called for urgent action and self-defence following outrage over alleged assaults on women during the Aluwe Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
Recall that New Daily Prime on 20 March reported how women in the Oruamudhu community, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State were sexual assault after multiple videos allegedly showed some women being dragged.
Speaking in a video shared on her Instagram page on Saturday, Henshaw condemned the incident, describing it as “wanton act of unrestrained violence against women.” She said the actions of some youths and men during the festival showed a deep failure in society.
According to her, organisers had earlier explained that the festival is a fertility rite, where women without children are “playfully dragged and sand poured on them.” However, she alleged that the practice was abused.
“You all saw the video… they rushed like rabid dogs,” she said, referring to clips showing women being attacked and their clothes torn.
The 54-year-old actress criticised the culture of blaming women in fertility matters and accused perpetrators of disrespecting women despite recent global events like International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Henshaw, the award winning actress also called on the police to take firm action, saying, “There must be arrests… the law must take its course.”
The Nollywood actress said this gender-based violence would not stop until women started taking actions against it.
Henshaw raised similar concerns, noting that some people still defend offenders.
“Maybe self defense should be the focus of women going forward!!!,” She added while responding to a user who gave emphasis on women raising the maral of the male children.
The one time political figure said, “Some will still side with the perpetrators.”
The actress urged affected communities to apologise and make amends, adding that the incident had exposed deeper problems.
She said,“It is a shame… shame should cover the whole kingdom.”
Nitezens reacts
Reacting online, some users expressed anger and frustration over the alleged rape festival.
One Instagram user, Leonzora Naturals expressed her frustration, stating, “I think we as women are NOT angry enough.”
A user, identified as chichi_ihe while responding to the Nigerian actress’s video, echoed in the same self-defence voice, expressing her belief in self-defence and encouraging parents to register their daughters in martial arts classes, especially children above age 5, after enrolling her daughter.
“I’m currently considering adding jujitsu with karate classes for my daughter but still stalling a bit because jujitsu is so intense.
One the user, Ms Joyce, wrote, “It was so traumatising, dear @k8henshaw. I had to stop watching to protect my mental health…”
Another user, with the username barbie_deizi, added, “Playfully dragging and pouring sand on women who are yet to give birth.” Okay, so what if it’s the man she is married to who is infertile??????? Rubbish traditions and cultures that should be abolished.”
Sylvia, another user while adding her voice, said, “Why’s the woman always to blame for fertility issues? Do they have a festival where men are playfully dragged and sand is poured on them too? It’s got to be balanced. Shameful lots, shameful rulers.
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