Maden Healthcare Foundation Condemns Sexual Violence in Ozoro and Rising Insecurity in Borno State ..... Demands Urgent, Decisive Government Action

 

..... Urges authorities to adopt a survivor-centered and community-focused response.

.... Reaffirm its commitment to advocating for the health, safety, and rights of women, girls, and vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

The Maden Healthcare Foundation, MHF has strongly condemned the recent reports of sexual violence against women and girls in Ozoro, Delta State, including the escalating insecurity and violent attacks in Borno State. 

Describing both situations as grave threats to human dignity, public health, and national security, the Foundation expressed deep outrage over the alleged sexual assaults in Ozoro, noting that such acts represent a blatant violation of the rights, safety, and bodily autonomy of women and girls. 

The Foundation, in a statement issued and signed by the Founder, Dr. Eseoghene Agbatutu, raised serious concern over the continued violence in Borno State, where communities face persistent threats from insurgent attacks, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and widespread trauma.

“Whether in the form of sexual violence in Ozoro or the ongoing insecurity in Borno, these incidents point to a troubling reality—many Nigerians, especially women and girls, are living without adequate protection. This is unacceptable,” said Dr Agbatutu.

"As an organization committed to menstrual health, school health, and medical missions, Maden Healthcare Foundation emphasized that violence—whether gender-based or conflict-related—has far-reaching consequences on physical health, mental well-being, education, and community stability."

The Foundation therefore called on the Federal and sub-nationals (Delta and Borno State Governments), and all relevant security and law enforcement agencies to take "immediate, transparent, and decisive action" in addressing both crises.

"We call on authorities to ensure that the incidents in Ozoro are not swept under the carpet. Perpetrators must be held accountable. At the same time, the government must intensify efforts to protect lives in Borno and provide adequate security for vulnerable communities. Nigerians deserve to feel safe, no matter where they live,” Dr Agbatutu added.

Maden Healthcare Foundation further urged authorities to adopt a survivor-centered and community-focused response by:

* Providing urgent medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance to survivors of sexual violence

* Strengthening security presence and intelligence in high-risk areas, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Borno

* Ensuring safe environments in schools, communities, and public gatherings

* Investing in sustained public education and advocacy to address gender-based violence and promote respect for human rights

The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the health, safety, and rights of women, girls, and vulnerable populations across Nigeria. It called for coordinated action among government agencies, civil society, and community leaders to prevent recurrence and build a safer, more just society.