A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chukwudi Enebeli has reacted to the reported rape incident in Ozoro, Delta State, saying it is barbaric and does not represent what Deltans stand for.
Making his stance on the issue known, Mr. Enebeli said the report was not merely disturbing, but unacceptable.
“The reports circulating accounts of women being sexually assaulted and molested in public under the guise of any tradition or belief is a grave affront to human dignity, public safety, and the rule of law”.
“Let it be stated clearly that such conduct is condemnable in the strongest terms and does not represent what Deltans ordinarily stand for. There is no cultural, social, or traditional justification for such acts of sexual violence, and any attempt to excuse or justify these actions as part of a “festival” or communal activity is dangerous. This can never be said to be culture. It is criminality,” Mr Enebeli added.
He said, sexual violence does not only leave deep physical and psychological scars on victims and their families, it erodes the moral fabric of society.
He cautioned that a community that tolerates such acts, whether through silence or indifference, risks normalizing lawlessness and endangering its most vulnerable members.
Therefore, he posited that there must be swift, decisive, and transparent action from law enforcement authorities on the matter. “I call on the Police as well as the Delta State Government to rise up to the occasion and ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out with a view to ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to book, no matter how highly placed they may be.
Equally important, he said, was the need to ensure that this matter is not swept under the carpet and must not be unnecessarily prolonged.
“Silence, suppression, or quiet settlements only embolden perpetrators and never serves as a deterrent. Beyond the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators, this moment calls for a broader societal reckoning. Community leaders, traditional institutions, and local authorities must take a firm stand in denouncing such barbaric acts at all levels”, Mr. Enebeli said.
While emphasizing that this kind of behavior is not acceptable in any part of the world, he said, “It is barbaric, unlawful, and inconsistent with the standards of any civilized society. We must continue to protect the rights and dignity of all persons, particularly women and the girl child”.
He called on the Police and the Delta State Government to use the incident to send a message that such sexual violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Delta State.
