An atmosphere of fear has enveloped Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State, as several female students have reportedly fled the area following last week’s attack on women during a traditional festival.
Investigations revealed that the panic stems from the aftermath of the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, where disturbing clips circulated online showing women being pursued, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths, sparking outrage across the country.
A student representative in the community, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that many female students, still traumatised by the incident, had started relocating to safer areas to avoid any possible repeat of the violence.
According to him, fears intensified after reports that the festival would span seven days, prompting many to leave earlier than planned.
“There is widespread fear among female students. A number of them left this morning, and others have continued to move out as the day progressed. People are worried the situation could escalate again,” he said.
He noted that tension remains high within the community, with both residents and students uneasy over the uncertainty surrounding safety and the festival’s duration.
The student leader further alleged that some members of the student community were involved in the attacks, describing the situation as alarming.
“It is disturbing that some students participated in the assault. It is not just indigenes. This raises serious concerns about moral values and societal decline,” he added.
He called for decisive action against those responsible, insisting that all culprits should face the full weight of the law regardless of their status.
While clarifying that no confirmed cases of rape had been recorded among students, he said some victims were treated in medical facilities for injuries sustained during the attacks.
“Sexual assault is a serious violation. It undermines the dignity of women and must be addressed firmly,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 11 additional suspects linked to the incident, increasing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Earlier, a community leader identified as Omorede Sunday and four others had been apprehended in connection with the case.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the latest arrests were carried out by the CP Special Assignment Team under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola.
Edafe explained that investigators relied on video footage and intelligence reports to track down the suspects, some of whom were identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname.
He stressed that preliminary findings indicated that the perpetrators were criminal elements who took advantage of the festival to commit acts of violence, noting that such behaviour is not part of any recognised cultural practice.
“The Commissioner of Police condemns the incident and assures the public that all those involved will be brought to justice,” the statement added.
The incident, widely shared through viral videos, has continued to attract strong condemnation from various groups nationwide.
The Nigerian Bar Association described the occurrence as disgraceful, stressing that no cultural justification can excuse violence against women.
In a joint statement by its President, Afam Osigwe, and Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, the association said any society that allows such acts undermines its moral fabric.
The group urged the Delta State Government and security agencies to ensure that all those responsible are prosecuted.
Also reacting, the Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, calling for the suspension of traditional rulers in Ozoro over their alleged inability to prevent the incident.
The organisation further demanded the constitution of an independent investigative panel to probe the matter and determine the level of responsibility of local authorities.
