Nigerian authorities have apprehended 15 individuals following disturbing allegations of sexual violence during the Alue-Do community festival in Delta state’s Ozoro city. The incident gained national attention after viral videos depicted groups of young men aggressively chasing, stripping, and physically assaulting women in public spaces during the traditional fertility celebration.
The circulated footage triggered massive public outcry across social media platforms, with the hashtag #StopRapingWomen trending extensively and reigniting conversations about gender-based violence accountability in Nigeria. Despite the graphic nature of the videos, Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe disclosed that no formal rape complaints have been filed in connection with the festival, noting that four interviewed victims denied experiencing rape.
Law enforcement officials described the witnessed behaviors as ‘alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,’ confirming that identified suspects have been transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department. Among those detained is a community leader reportedly involved in organizing the event.
Local witnesses and activists revealed that women had received warnings against venturing outdoors during certain festival periods, suggesting targeted aggression toward those seen in public. This has raised serious concerns about potential tolerance of sexual violence under cultural pretenses.
The traditional leadership of Ozoro has vehemently rejected characterizations of the Alue-Do festival as condoning sexual assault, maintaining it represents a legitimate fertility rite that was ‘misinterpreted and abused by some youths.’ Traditional authorities acknowledge two harassment cases but emphasize these constitute criminal behavior rather than cultural practice.
The Delta state government has aligned with this position, asserting that no recognized festival in the region permits sexual violence and that all such acts should be treated as criminal offenses. Adding national-level condemnation, Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu—who has familial connections to Delta state—denounced the alleged assaults and called for rigorous prosecution of offenders while affirming that no cultural tradition justifies violating women’s rights.