The Delta State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into a series of disturbing viral videos showing groups of men harassing and sexually assaulting women in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area.
While the initial outrage peaked in late March 2026, the investigation remains a high priority as of Saturday, April 25, 2026, with the police and state government working to dismantle the “tradition” used to justify the attacks.
The Incident: The “Alue-Do” Festival
The assaults occurred on Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the annual Alue-Do festival (often referred to as a fertility rite).
- The “Trap”: Tradition allegedly dictates that women must remain indoors during certain hours of the festival. Any woman found outside was reportedly targeted by mobs of young men.
- The Viral Footage: Videos showed women being chased, dragged off motorcycles, and having their clothes ripped off in broad daylight. In one clip, a 300-level university student was seen crying while struggling to cover herself after being stripped by a mob.
- The Allegations: While community leaders initially described the acts as “harassment,” victims and activists have alleged cases of rape and severe molestation.
Police Action & Arrests
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, and the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, have been vocal in their condemnation, stating that “no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.”
- 15 Suspects in Custody: As of the latest update, at least 15 individuals have been arrested.
- Key Arrests: The suspects include Chief Omorede Sunday, the community head and chief organizer of the event, who was apprehended for failing to prevent the criminal acts under the guise of culture.
- Task Force Deployment: The CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) has been analyzing the viral videos to identify more perpetrators seen in the footage.
Government & Public Reaction
- State Condemnation: The Delta State Government, through Commissioner Charles Aniagwu, labeled the acts “barbaric and unacceptable,” promising that the state will maintain zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
- National Outrage: High-profile figures, including Oby Ezekwesili and the First Lady, have condemned the “Ozoro Rape Festival,” calling it a failure of preventive policing and a collapse of moral leadership.
- Community Rebuttal: The Ozoro community leadership issued a statement acknowledging that “some youths acted irresponsibly” but claimed that sexual violence is not a sanctioned part of their culture.
