Delta Festival Incident: Reported Assault On Women Sparks Public Outrage.

News Report
Ozoro, Delta State – March 19, 2026

Widespread outrage has erupted across Nigeria following reports of alleged assault involving several women and female students during a traditional festival in Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. The incident reportedly occurred during the controversial Alue-Do festival held on Thursday, March 19. Videos that surfaced on social media the following day showed disturbing scenes of women being chased, harassed, and forcefully stripped in public, triggering condemnation from citizens, advocacy groups, and public officials.

In one widely circulated video, a young woman seated on a motorcycle was reportedly pulled down by a group of youths who tore her clothing. Other clips showed women attempting to escape from attackers while struggling to protect themselves from a crowd. However, the exact number of affected individuals has not yet been independently confirmed.

Festival Practices and Local Accounts
Residents described the Alue-Do festival as a traditional rite associated with fertility, believed to invoke blessings for couples experiencing challenges with childbirth. The event reportedly includes certain restrictions, particularly on women’s movement during specific hours.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, said prior announcements were made advising women to remain indoors during the ritual period. According to her, many complied out of fear.
“We were told not to go out. I stayed indoors throughout,” she said.
Social media posts from individuals claiming to be residents also reflected fear and anxiety, with some stating they avoided leaving their homes during the festival.

Traditional Authority Reacts
The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, expressed shock over the development, stating that such actions were not part of the community’s cultural heritage.
“I have never known any festival in this kingdom to involve harassment or abuse of women,” he said, adding that he had received numerous inquiries from concerned individuals both locally and internationally.

Students Affected
The Student Union Government of Southern Delta University confirmed that some victims were students of the institution. According to the union president, Oribelua Precious, affected individuals received medical attention.
He noted that while no confirmed cases of rape were reported by attending medical personnel, the incidents involved serious harassment and attempted violations.

Authorities Respond
The Delta State Government strongly condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of human rights.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, emphasized that cultural events must not serve as a cover for criminal acts.
“No tradition justifies violence or abuse. Those responsible will face the law,” he stated.

Police Action
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of several individuals, including a community leader and alleged organisers of the festival. The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, stated that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry. “No custom or tradition overrides the rights of citizens,” he said.

Federal Government
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, also condemned the incident and called for a swift and transparent investigation.
She stressed that sexual assault remains a serious criminal offence and must be addressed without delay.

Public Reaction and Advocacy
The incident has sparked nationwide debate, with civil society organisations, legal experts, and public figures demanding accountability.
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, described the situation as a failure of governance and preventive security, warning against normalising restrictions that place women at risk.
Legal practitioners and human rights advocates also emphasized that no cultural practice can override constitutional rights, including dignity, safety, and freedom of movement.
A coalition of over 500 women’s rights organisations under the Womanifesto initiative condemned the incident, describing it as organised abuse and calling for immediate prosecution of those involved.

Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with calls for victims and witnesses to provide information to aid the process. The incident has reignited conversations around public safety, gender-based violence, and the need for stronger oversight during cultural and community events.