•Kingdom dismisses allegations
•Delta govt condemns incident
By Jimitota Onoyume & Ochuko Akuopha
Following outrage over the harassment and molestation of women during a festival in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro community, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State Police Command, yesterday, arrested 11 more persons.
The arrest brings the number of those so far in police custody over the issue to 15.
A statement by the command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, said preliminary findings indicated that the alleged harassment and molestation of women during the festival were carried out by suspected criminal elements who took advantage of the festivity to perpetrate their actions.
Social media posts alleging that a local cultural celebration, Alue-Do Festival, had devolved into what some described as a “rape festival” sparked widespread concerns.
The claims quickly gained traction online, with disturbing narratives suggesting that women were being targeted and assaulted under the guise of tradition.
As the story spread, it triggered intense reactions from the public, advocacy groups, and commentators who called for urgent investigation and accountability.
Speaking on those apprehended over the incident, the police urged witnesses to come forward with information that would lead to further arrests.
“Further to the earlier disturbing reports on the alleged incidents of sexual assault in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro, the command wishes to update the public based on recent developments in the ongoing investigation.
“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.
“Acting on this directive, operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence. This led to the arrest of 11 additional suspects. The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to 15.
“The command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexual violence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality,” the police said.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom said that no incident of rape took place, noting that an ancient cultural practice, Alue-Do Festival, was misinterpreted by some youths in the community.
It described the event as a traditional practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth, regretting that some young persons misapplied it in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women.
A statement by the President- General of Ozoro Kingdom, Chief Berkley Asiafa, and Secretary-General, Prince Obaro Egware, said reports circulating on social media alleging that rape and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival are false and misleading.
The statement reads: “Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five traditional communities, each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals. On the said date, Uruamudhu community celebrated one of its ancient festivals known as the Alue-Do Festival.
“The Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a festival of fertility. It is widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth. As part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility.
“However, it has come to our attention that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women.
“We wish to clearly state that reports circulating on social media alleging that rape and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival are false and misleading. No incidents of rape were recorded.
“The situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the occasion to act irresponsibly. We condemn any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behaviour is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated.
“Appropriate steps are being taken to address the actions of those involved and to ensure that future celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, respectful, and orderly manner.
“We urge the public to disregard false reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of our cherished cultural heritage.”
However, Delta State government condemned the incident, warning that cultural celebrations should never be used as a cover for criminality.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, stated this in a statement.
He said government was deeply disturbed by reports of women being harassed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted under the guise of festival activities. Aniagwu stressed that the state government frowns on any act that violates the dignity and rights of women, noting that cultural celebrations must never be used as a cover for criminality.
“We are calling on the police and other security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice. No individual or group should be allowed to hide under the guise of a festival to perpetrate criminal activities. The state government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, especially women and vulnerable groups.
“We urge community leaders and organisers of cultural festivals across the state to put in place adequate measures to safeguard participants and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.”
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