By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the sexual assault of women during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, describing the incident as a “national disgrace” and a violation of human rights.
A viral video circulating on social media showed men sexually harassing young women attending the festival in Uruamudhu Community. The footage sparked widespread public outrage online, with reports indicating that some female students from Delta State University may have also been affected.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe and Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, condemned the acts, calling them a collapse of conscience and a stain on shared humanity.
“A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women. Where women are chased, stripped, groped, and publicly humiliated under the guise of celebration, what is on display is not culture. It is barbarity,” the NBA stated.
The association said the assault constituted a violation of constitutional rights, including dignity, personal liberty, and security, and noted that perpetrators could be charged under Nigerian criminal laws for sexual violence, assault, and public indecency.
The NBA called on the Delta State Government and law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible. It also urged community leaders, traditional institutions, and festival organisers to ensure that cultural celebrations respect human dignity and do not become venues for violence.
Reacting earlier, the Delta State Government also condemned the acts as “barbaric and unacceptable.” Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, stressed that cultural festivals should not be used to mask criminal activities and called on security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.
“The protection of women is not optional. It is a legal duty. It is a moral obligation. This must never happen again,” the NBA concluded.
