The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has denounced the shocking assault and humiliation of women during the controversial Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, branding the incident a “collapse of conscience” and “national disgrace.”
In a statement signed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe and Women’s Forum Chairperson, Huwaila Muhammad, the association condemned the mob attacks where women were reportedly chased, stripped, and molested in broad daylight.
Videos of the incident, which surfaced online, showed cheering crowds as victims were violated.
“No tradition, no custom, no so-called cultural practice can excuse or legitimise the degradation and violation of women. Any practice that permits such cruelty is not culture. It is criminality,” the NBA declared.
The association stressed that the acts amounted to gender-based violence, criminal offences under Nigerian law, and grave violations of constitutional rights to dignity and liberty.
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It urged the Delta State government and the police to act “swiftly and decisively” by arresting and prosecuting perpetrators and holding enablers accountable.
Police authorities confirmed several arrests, including a community leader, and had announced a full-scale investigation.
The NBA warned that silence or indifference would embolden further abuse, calling on traditional institutions and festival organisers to take responsibility.
“Cultural celebrations must never become theatres of violence. They must reflect dignity, order, and respect for human life, not chaos and cruelty,” the statement added.
The outrage has sparked nationwide condemnation, with rights groups and government agencies demanding justice for the victims.
