The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for action over alleged violence against women during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
Videos on social media show groups of young men dragging and allegedly molesting women on the streets.
In a statement signed on Saturday by its president Afam Osigwe and chairperson of the NBA Women’s Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, the association said, “A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women.”
It added that such acts cannot be justified as culture or tradition.
“This was lawlessness. This was gender-based violence,” the statement said.
The association said the incident violates rights to dignity, personal liberty and security under Nigerian law.
It called on the Delta State Government and law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those involved.
“The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Those who aided, enabled, or failed to intervene must also be held accountable,” it said.
The NBA warned that silence or excuses could lead to more abuse.
“Justice must not be delayed, and it must not be selective,” the statement added.
It also urged community leaders and festival organisers to take responsibility, saying cultural events should not become “theatres of violence.”
The police said five suspects have been arrested from Ozoro’s Oramudu Quarters, including community head and event organiser Omorede Sunday.
