By The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned reports of sexual assault and abuse of women during a recent festival in Ozoro, describing the incident as a “national disgrace” and a grave violation of human dignity.
In a statement jointly signed by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, and Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, the association expressed outrage over what it termed barbaric acts carried out under the guise of cultural celebration.
According to the NBA, disturbing reports indicate that women were allegedly harassed, stripped, and sexually assaulted in broad daylight by groups of young men, while some bystanders watched, recorded, and even encouraged the acts.
“This was not a festival. This was lawlessness and gender-based violence in its most shameful form,” the statement said.
The association stressed that such actions constitute serious criminal offences, including assault and sexual violence, and violate fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The NBA called on the Delta State Government and relevant law enforcement agencies to urgently investigate the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure their swift arrest and prosecution.
It further urged community leaders, traditional institutions, and festival organisers to take responsibility for ensuring that cultural events do not become platforms for violence and abuse.
“The protection of women is both a legal duty and a moral obligation. Cultural practices must reflect dignity and respect, not cruelty,” the statement added.
The NBA warned that silence or inaction in the face of such incidents could embolden further abuse, insisting that justice must be served without delay.
The association further stressed that Nigeria must not become a society where women live in fear of public humiliation and violence, calling for decisive action to prevent a recurrence.
