A disturbing video from Delta State showing a woman being assaulted by a masquerade during a cultural festival has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debate over the abuse of traditional practices.

The incident is believed to have occurred during the Urheovware (Urhobo Cultural Festival) in Edjeba, Warri South Local Government Area, though authorities have not officially confirmed the exact circumstances.

In the viral footage, the woman is seen lying on the ground near an open drainage channel while a masquerade in a red-and-yellow costume repeatedly strikes her with a cane-like object. She appears barefoot, distressed, and struggles to shield herself as she attempts to crawl away.

Despite her efforts to escape, the assault continues while bystanders watch. The video later shows her sitting in pain at the edge of the drainage as the masquerade walks away, further fueling public anger online.

Social media users condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and calling for stricter regulation of masquerade festivals and accountability for those involved. Many also questioned the treatment of women in some cultural settings and urged authorities to intervene.

The incident comes amid previous controversies in Delta State over similar festival-related assaults, which had already drawn condemnation from government officials, women’s groups, and legal bodies, and led to arrests in earlier cases.