A PRESS STATEMENT BY OKEY LEO OHAGBA, ESQ. PAST NBA NATIONAL OFFICER
Troubling reports of gang-rape and sexual assault emanating from the just concluded Ozoro Festival of Delta State presents not just a worrisome state of societal decay, but a damning indictment on the part of government and relevant institutions who failed in their respective duties of protecting the vulnerable in public spaces. Horrible visual evidence of women being harassed, manhandled and sexually assaulted by varying youth gangs in broad daylight depicts only a state of anarchy, where lawlessness thrives and dignity is treated as expendable.
What happened in Ozoro was far from a cultural expression, but a criminal conduct enabled by institutional conspiracy or negligence. Liability for guilt must extend beyond the perpetrators to festival organizers, community leaders, and security agencies, who conspired and/or failed to prevent foreseeable harm against the female gender.
This moment demands not mere routine condemnation without action. Delta State Government must take responsibility and ensure the perpetrators of this heinous crime face the wrath of their animalistic acts. Public events must operate under mandatory safety protocols, where visible and effective security must be enforced, and negligence must carry legal consequences. Repugnant customs must be abolished in this time and age.
I stand with all the victims/survivors of these abominable acts by the animalistic youths of Ozoro community. Your pains are felt by us all. Be rest assured that we shall stand by you until justice is secured. This horrendous crime must never be swept under the carpet. Concerned Government and security agencies must rise to action now.
In Solidarity,
Okey Leo Ohagba, Esq
Past National Officer, NBA.
