The leadership of the Ozoro community in Delta State has responded to allegations of rape and harassment of young women linked to its Alue-Do festival.
On Thursday, outrage spread across social media after several videos surfaced on X showing men tearing the clothes of young women during the festival.
In one of the viral clips, men were seen groping the women in a manner widely condemned as animalistic and despicable.
The footage also showed a young woman in tears, clutching her torn clothing while being violently harassed by some men.
The Delta State government condemned the incidents, describing them as “barbaric, heinous and unacceptable”.
It added that no individual or group should use the cover of a festival to carry out criminal acts.
As public anger intensified, the police arrested Omorede Sunday, a community leader, alongside four other suspects over allegations of rape and assault.
‘IT’S A CULTURAL FESTIVAL’
In a statement released on Friday and co-signed by Berkley Asiafa, president-general, and Obaro Egware, secretary-general, the community leadership said the viral videos misrepresented the festival.
“Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five traditional communities, each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals,” the statement reads.
“On the said date, Uruamudhu Community celebrated one of its ancient festivals known as the Alue-Do Festival.”
The leaders described Alue-Do as a “festival of fertility, widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth”.
They explained that, as part of the tradition, symbolic acts are performed, including playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals without children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility.
However, they acknowledged that “some youths misinterpreted and misapplied the cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women”.
‘NO RAPE RECORDED’
The community leaders insisted that, contrary to widespread claims, no rape occurred during the festival, though two young women were harassed.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
They added that the community leadership alerted security agencies, who brought the situation under control and have begun investigations.
“The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behaviour is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The leaders also urged the public to ignore false reports and avoid spreading misinformation that could damage the reputation of their cultural heritage.