Sexual Assault at Delta Festival: Women Victimized in Ozoro

Outrage has erupted following the sexual assault of several women and female students during a traditional festival in Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The victims were reportedly attacked by youths during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, held on Thursday, March 19. Videos that surfaced on social media the following day showed young women being chased, stripped, and molested in broad daylight, prompting nationwide condemnation.

In one widely shared clip, a young woman seated on a motorcycle was dragged to the ground by several youths who assaulted her and tore her clothes. Another video showed a young woman fleeing as attackers pulled her dress, leaving her exposed, while a separate clip 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.

Residents said the festival, described as a fertility rite meant to invoke blessings for couples struggling with childbirth, is held periodically in the community. It involves controversial practices, including restrictions on women’s movement during certain hours. According to locals, any woman found outdoors during this period risks harassment.

A female resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that an announcement had warned women not to go outside on Thursday, when the ritual began. She said, “The organisers of the festival announced its commencement and warned that no woman should go out.”

Reports indicate that many businesses and shops were closed as non-indigenes fled the town. On TikTok, one resident, Vallery, said she could not go out for fear of harassment, writing, “So bad. I locked myself inside the house.” Another user, Slim Mama, added, “Same here. I have been so scared to step outside my door.”

The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, said he was unaware of the festival. He said, “I have more than 200 videos and photographs of what transpired. Government officials, kings across the world have been calling me to know what is happening. I have been a king for more than 20 years. I have never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harrased, sexually molested or raped in my community all in the name of a festival.”

Students and Community Speak Out on Festival Assaults

Oribelua Precious, President of the Student Union Government at Southern Delta University, confirmed that some victims were students and were admitted to a hospital. She said, “When we got to the hospital, the doctor on duty confirmed that no student was penetrated but they were molested; although an attempt to rape anyone cannot be taken lightly because it is a serious matter. We gathered from our students that although an announcement was made, the students said they couldn’t understand the message until the incident happened.

“Who knows what would have happened in places where there are no cameras. We are only speaking based on what we saw on video. This incident says a lot about how negative our youths are. I want to encourage that if there is anything traditional, adequate information should be passed across due to the fact that there are strangers in town and they should be taken into consideration. We also come from some place and we have our own customs and traditions; we will respect the traditions of the kingdom we find ourselves as students.”

In a joint statement, Chief Berkley Asiafa and Prince Obaro Egware acknowledged that some youths acted irresponsibly. They condemned the actions, stating that such behaviour is not part of the community’s culture and would not be tolerated. Security agencies had reportedly been contacted, and investigations were ongoing.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B, described the incident as a gross violation of human rights. Zonal Coordinator Victor Anthony said, “It is particularly alarming that such incidents are occurring in a student-dominated environment, as Ozoro hosts Southern Delta University.” NANS called on security agencies to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice is served, directing its Joint Campus Council in Delta State to carry out an on-the-spot assessment.

Delta, FG Condemn Ozoro Festival Assaults

Reacting to the incident, Delta State Government described it as barbaric and unacceptable. Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said no cultural gathering should be used as a cover for criminal acts. He said, “The Delta State Government strongly condemns the harassment of women and the reported cases of sexual assault during the Ozoro festival. Such barbaric acts are totally unacceptable and have no place in our society.”

Aniagwu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting citizens, particularly women and vulnerable groups, warning that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law. He directed security agencies to ensure perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, stressing that cultural practices must not override fundamental human rights.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of a community leader and four others believed to be organisers of the festival. Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe said, “The community head and chief organiser of the event and four other suspects have been arrested. The Commissioner of Police has ordered their transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department.” Edafe added that a full-scale investigation had been launched and called on witnesses and victims to provide information.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, directed that all suspects be arrested. The ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Danbazau, said, “No cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form. Sexual assault is a serious criminal offence, and all allegations must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held fully accountable under the law.”

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting women and girls, prioritising their safety and dignity.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, with citizens, activists, and public figures demanding swift action. Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili described it as a failure of governance and preventive policing, saying, “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, order and moral leadership.”

On social media platform X, users questioned how such attacks occurred without prior security intervention. Legal and human rights experts emphasised that no cultural practice can justify violations of fundamental rights. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong said, “There can be no culture in any part of Nigeria that permits the targeting or discrimination of women.”

A coalition of over 500 women’s rights organisations under Womanifesto condemned the incident, describing it as organised abuse. Co-convener Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi stated, “This is not our culture. This is organised and institutionalised abuse, and it must be treated as a crime.” The coalition highlighted that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees dignity, freedom of movement, and protection from inhumane treatment, referencing the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which criminalises threats or restrictions against women.