The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly condemned the reported assault and public humiliation of women during a recent community festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as a grave violation of human dignity and the rule of law.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, and the Chairperson of the NBA Women’s Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, the association decried the acts as a reflection of moral failure in society.
“A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women. What occurred is not culture but barbarity and a collapse of conscience,” the statement read.
According to the association, reports from the festival indicated that several women were attacked in public, subjected to degrading treatment, and stripped by groups of youths while bystanders watched and recorded the incidents.
“No woman should ever endure such humiliation and violation of her dignity in any society that claims to uphold justice and human rights,” the NBA stated.
The association stressed that such acts amount to serious criminal offences, including assault and sexual violence, noting that they contravene provisions of Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights standards.
“These actions are not cultural expressions but clear cases of lawlessness and gender-based violence in its most shameful form,” the statement added.
Calling for immediate intervention, the NBA urged the Delta State Government and security agencies to ensure that all those involved are identified and prosecuted.
“The perpetrators must be brought to justice swiftly. Those who enabled or failed to act must also be held accountable. Justice must not be delayed or selective,” the association said.
The NBA also cautioned community leaders and festival organisers against allowing cultural events to become platforms for violence.
“Cultural celebrations must reflect dignity and respect for human life, not chaos and cruelty,” it warned.
The incident, which reportedly occurred during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival, sparked outrage after videos circulated on social media showing women being chased and assaulted in broad daylight.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that a community leader and several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities added that investigations are ongoing and assured that all culprits would face the full weight of the law.
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served and that such acts do not recur,” police authorities stated.
The NBA concluded by emphasising the broader societal responsibility to protect women.
“The protection of women is both a legal duty and a moral obligation. This must never happen again.”
