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The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 more suspects over the alleged harassment and molestation of women during a festival in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro community, in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects in police custody to 15.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said preliminary investigations showed that the alleged acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the celebration to commit the offences.
The incident gained national attention after social media posts claimed that a local cultural event, the Alue-Do Festival, had turned into what some described as a “rape festival.”
The claims spread widely online, with reports suggesting that women were being targeted and assaulted under the guise of tradition, leading to outrage and calls for urgent investigation.
Providing an update on the investigation, the police said the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, directed the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) to conduct a detailed probe 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 statement said.
The police added that preliminary findings indicated that the incident was carried out by individuals who exploited the festival to commit acts of sexual violence, stating that such actions do not represent any legitimate cultural practice.
“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,” it added
The command also urged victims and witnesses to come forward with “credible information that will aid ongoing investigations,” noting that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom said no case of rape occurred during the festival, adding that the ancient cultural practice was misinterpreted by some youths.
In a statement signed by the President-General of Ozoro Kingdom, Chief Berkley Asiafa, and the Secretary-General, Prince Obaro Egware, the community explained that the Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a fertility celebration believed to bring blessings of children to couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth.
According to the statement, part of the tradition involves symbolic acts such as playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals without children.
However, the community acknowledged that some youths misapplied the practice in an unacceptable way, leading to the harassment of some women.
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.”
