By Ovie Okpare
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the reported sexual assault of women during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “a national disgrace” and a reflection of societal failure.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, and Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, the association said the alleged acts of violence were “barbaric” and a “collapse of conscience.”
There had been national condemnation over the alleged sexual assault on women, especially on female students of the Southern Delta University, Ozoro, during a festival organised by one of the quarters that made up Ozoro Kingdom.
Following disturbing viral videos of assaults on women from the festival, the Ovie of Ozoro has announced the cancellation of the ceremony, while operatives of the state police command had arrested six organisers of the event.
But reacting to the development on Saturday, NBA noted that disturbing reports from the festival indicate that women were chased, stripped, groped, and sexually assaulted by groups of young men in broad daylight.
The statement bemoaned how some bystanders reportedly watched, filmed, and even cheered as the incidents unfolded.
“No woman should ever have to endure such terror, such exposure, such violation of her dignity,” the association said, stressing that what occurred “was not a festival but lawlessness.”
The NBA said the acts constitute serious violations of fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including the right to dignity, personal liberty, and security.
It added that the incidents also amount to criminal offences under Nigerian law, including sexual violence, assault, and public indecency.
“A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women,” the statement read, adding, “Any practice that permits such cruelty is not culture. It is criminality.”
The association called on the Delta State Government and law enforcement agencies to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.
It also urged authorities to hold accountable individuals who enabled the acts or failed to intervene.
“We call on the Delta State Government and all relevant law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Those who aided, enabled, or failed to intervene must also be held accountable. Justice must not be delayed, and it must not be selective.
“Silence, indifference, or excuses in the face of such brutality only embolden further abuse.
“We further call on community leaders, traditional institutions, and festival organisers to take urgent responsibility. Cultural celebrations must never become theatres of violence. They must reflect dignity, order, and respect for human life, not chaos and cruelty.
“The protection of women is not optional. It is a legal duty. It is a moral obligation. It is a test of who we are as a people. Nigeria must not become a place where women live in fear of being stripped of both their clothing and their dignity in public spaces”, the statement further added.
