Leaders of the Ozoro Kingdom have denied reports that rape occurred during the controversial Alue-Do festival, stating that some youths merely exploited the celebration to harass women.
The reaction follows widespread outrage after disturbing videos circulated on social media showing young women being forcibly stripped and harassed by men during the festival held in Delta State. In one of the clips, a visibly distressed woman was seen crying while trying to cover her torn clothes as several men surrounded and groped her.
Earlier, the Delta State Government strongly condemned the incident, describing the acts seen in the videos as barbaric and unacceptable. Authorities warned that no cultural celebration should be used as a cover for criminal behavior.
Security operatives also moved quickly, with the Nigeria Police Force reportedly arresting a community leader identified as Omorede Sunday along with four other suspects over allegations linked to sexual assault and harassment.
However, in a statement jointly signed by Berkley Asiafa and Obaro Egware, the community leadership said the viral reports misrepresented the nature of the event.
According to the leaders, the Alue-Do festival is an ancient cultural celebration associated with fertility and blessings for couples experiencing difficulty conceiving children. They explained that certain symbolic practices are traditionally performed during the event.
“As part of this long-standing tradition, symbolic acts such as playfully dragging or pouring sand on married individuals without children are performed as cultural expressions believed to invoke fertility,” the statement noted.
The leaders admitted that some youths misinterpreted the cultural practice and behaved irresponsibly, resulting in the harassment of two women during the celebration.
They insisted, however, that no rape occurred during the festival, contrary to claims widely circulated on social media.
The community leadership condemned the misconduct and pledged to cooperate with security agencies investigating the incident. They also assured residents that steps are being taken to ensure future festivals are conducted peacefully and in line with cultural values.
The incident has nevertheless continued to spark debate across Nigeria, with many calling for stronger protection for women and stricter enforcement of laws against sexual harassment and assault during public gatherings
