The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have strongly condemned the horrific sexual assault and public humiliation of women during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Viral videos posted on social media showed young women being chased, stripped naked, groped and molested by groups of youths in broad daylight on Thursday, March 19. The disturbing scenes sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians demanding immediate arrests and justice for the victims.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NAPTIP described the assaults as “barbaric criminal acts” that violate human rights and dignity. The agency commended the Nigeria Police Force for swiftly arresting suspects, including the community head and festival organisers. It vowed to support all actions needed to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association condemned the attacks, calling them a “national disgrace” and “a collapse of conscience.” NBA President Afam Osigwe and the Chairperson of the NBA Women’s Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, said the incident exposes a dangerous disregard for the safety and dignity of women in society.
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According to the association, no cultural celebration or tradition can justify the stripping, harassment or sexual assault of women. The NBA stressed that the acts committed during the festival amount to serious criminal offences, including assault, sexual violence and public indecency. It urged the Delta State Government and security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all perpetrators without delay.

The association further noted that bystanders who watched, recorded or encouraged the acts should also be held accountable. “The protection of women is not optional. It is a moral duty and a constitutional obligation,” the NBA stated, adding that silence in the face of such cruelty only empowers future offenders.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the community leader, Omorede Sunday, and four others. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department as investigations continue.

Both NAPTIP and the NBA emphasized that the Ozoro assault must serve as a turning point, insisting: “This must never happen again.”