Key Points

• Police arrest 15 suspects over Ozoro festival harassment
• Community denies rape claims, says youths misused cultural event
• Authorities launch investigation after viral videos spark outrage

A traditional festival in Delta State has drawn national attention after videos surfaced online showing alleged harassment of women, with police confirming multiple arrests.

The incident followed the Alue-Do Festival in Uruamudhu community, Isoko North Local Government Area, which some online users labeled a “rape festival,” a claim community leaders strongly reject.

Authorities said 15 suspects are now in custody as investigations continue.

Community defends cultural practice

Leaders in Ozoro Kingdom said the Alue-Do Festival is an age-old fertility rite, observed for more than a century.

In a statement, the leadership explained that the event is meant to offer prayers for fertility, prosperity and protection, with symbolic practices tied to local beliefs.

They said women are traditionally expected to remain indoors at certain hours, while some rituals involve playful acts such as throwing sand on individuals as part of the celebration.

Community members insisted there is no cultural basis for sexual violence, adding that the festival’s meaning has been widely misunderstood.

Allegations of abuse emerge

Residents and witnesses said the situation took a different turn this year, with some youths accused of harassing women during the event.

Videos circulating online appear to show young women being chased and, in some cases, physically assaulted.

A resident who gave her name as Oreva said some of the victims were students who may not have understood local warnings, which were reportedly announced in the Isoko language.

Others blamed the breakdown on poor enforcement and the presence of non-indigenes unfamiliar with the customs.

Police say criminal elements hijacked event

The Delta State Police Command said preliminary findings suggest the incident was carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the festival.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said operatives reviewed video evidence and carried out targeted arrests, bringing the number of suspects to 15.

He said the command would ensure all those involved are prosecuted.

Government, groups condemn incident

The Delta State government, local authorities and the Federal Government condemned the reported harassment.

Officials said no tradition justifies abuse, stressing that all allegations must be investigated under the law.

Community leaders also denounced the actions of the youths, saying they misrepresented the festival and damaged its image.

They said steps are being taken to prevent a repeat and to ensure future celebrations are conducted in a controlled and respectful manner.