BY GODWIN OBI
Public outrage has erupted across Nigeria following the assault and harassment of several women during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 19, came to national attention after disturbing videos circulated widely on social media showing young women being chased, stripped and attacked by groups of youths during the traditional event.
Ozoro hosts the Southern Delta University, and some of the victims were reported to be students of the institution.
Videos spark nationwide outrage
Clips shared online showed several young women attempting to escape from aggressive crowds while their clothes were torn during the attacks.
In one widely shared video, a young woman sitting on a motorcycle was reportedly dragged to the ground by a group of youths who tore her clothing while assaulting her.
Another clip showed a woman running as attackers pulled her dress, leaving her exposed, while a separate video captured a victim struggling to shield herself from a mob.
The exact number of victims could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Festival with controversial restrictions
Residents said the Alue-Do festival is traditionally described as a fertility rite believed to invoke blessings for couples struggling with childbirth.
The ritual reportedly involves strict cultural restrictions, including warnings that women should remain indoors during certain hours of the ceremony.
A female resident who spoke anonymously said an announcement had been made warning women not to leave their homes when the ritual began.
“The organisers announced that women should not go outside that day,” she said. “Many people stayed indoors because they were afraid.”
Some residents also reported that shops closed and several non-indigenes temporarily left the town during the festival.
Monarch disowns the incident
The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, Anthony Ogbogbo, said he was unaware of the controversial festival activities and strongly condemned the harassment of women.
Speaking at his palace on Friday, the monarch said the incident had drawn widespread concern, including calls from government officials and traditional rulers.
“I have been a king for more than 20 years and have never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested in my community,” he said.
Students among victims
The Students’ Union Government President of Southern Delta University, Oribelua Precious, confirmed that some of the victims were students and were receiving treatment at a hospital.
He said medical personnel informed the delegation that although the victims were assaulted, no confirmed cases of rape had been reported.
“An attempt to rape anyone cannot be taken lightly because it is a serious matter,” Precious said, stressing the need for clearer communication about cultural events in communities hosting students and visitors.
Community leaders condemn youths’ actions
In a joint statement, community leaders including President-General Chief Berkley Asiafa and Secretary-General Prince Obaro Egware acknowledged that some youths acted irresponsibly during the festival.
They condemned the behaviour and insisted it was not part of the community’s cultural traditions.
Security agencies have also been contacted to investigate the incident, they added.
Police arrest suspects
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of several suspects, including a community leader identified as Omorede Sunday and four other individuals believed to be organisers of the event.
According to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” Edafe said, adding that anyone involved would be prosecuted.
Government orders investigation
The Delta State Government also condemned the incident, describing the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said cultural gatherings must never serve as cover for criminal acts.
“Such barbaric acts have no place in our society,” he said, stressing that the state maintains a zero-tolerance policy for gender-based violence.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman‑Ibrahim, also directed authorities to ensure that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
She emphasised that sexual assault remains a serious criminal offence that cannot be justified by cultural practices.
Nigerians demand justice
The incident has sparked intense public debate, with activists and civil society organisations demanding accountability.
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili criticised what she described as a failure of governance and preventive policing.
“When a society begins to warn women to stay indoors to avoid being attacked, instead of restraining perpetrators, that society signals a collapse of law and moral leadership,” she said.
Human rights lawyers and women’s rights organisations have also insisted that constitutional protections guaranteeing dignity, freedom of movement and protection from violence must be upheld regardless of cultural traditions.
A coalition of women’s rights groups under the banner of Womanifesto described the incident as “organised abuse” and called for swift prosecution of all those involved.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as pressure mounts nationwide for justice for the victims.
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