Ozoro Festival Outrage: 18 To Face Trial Over Sexual Assault Allegations
Police Move Against Festival Abuse in Delta
18 Suspects to Face Sexual Assault Charges
THE Delta State Police Command has arrested 18 individuals in connection with the alleged sexual harassment and assault of women during the Alue-Do festival in Uruamudhu Community, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area.
The arrests followed widespread public outrage triggered by viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted in public during the 19th March 2026 cultural event.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspects will be charged with sexual assault, following complaints lodged by affected victims.
Festival Hijacked by Hooligans
The Alue-Do festival, traditionally a fertility celebration aimed at blessing women for childbearing, was reportedly disrupted by groups of unruly youths.
Footage circulating online captured disturbing scenes of young men forcefully tearing women’s clothes, groping them, and subjecting them to public humiliation.
While some social media users described the incident as a “rape festival,” the police clarified that no rape was officially reported by the victims.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe stated that four women came forward, alleging sexual assault but not forced sexual intercourse.
Advocacy Groups Condemn Incident
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from civil society organisations, including Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), which described the development as deeply troubling.
The group said the events highlight the persistent insecurity faced by women in public spaces and warned against the misuse of cultural practices to justify abuse.
Call for Accountability and Reform
GSAI Executive Director, Dr. Adaora Sydney-Jack, stressed that cultural traditions must never come at the expense of human dignity.
She urged communities, leaders, and institutions to take responsibility for safeguarding women and preventing future occurrences.
According to her, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms to ensure that women can participate freely in cultural and public life without fear.
Growing Demand for Justice
As investigations continue, there are increasing calls for swift prosecution of the suspects and stricter regulation of public events to prevent abuse.
Observers say the case could set a precedent for how authorities handle gender-based violence linked to cultural gatherings.
