Widespread outrage has trailed a viral video allegedly showing the harassment of young women during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, prompting swift intervention by federal and state authorities, as well as arrests by the police.

The disturbing footage, which circulated widely on social media, is linked to events in Uruamudhu Community, one of the five traditional communities that make up the Ozoro Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.

A user on X, identified as @Teeniiola, wrote: “Foreigners who are unaware of this situation have reportedly fallen victim as well. There is Delta State University in Ozoro, and many female students may not be fully aware of the danger.

“It is disturbing that something like this could be tolerated in society. This is heartbreaking, and urgent action needs to be taken.”

Reacting to the development, the Federal Government ordered the arrest and prosecution of all those involved. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, issued the directive in a statement signed by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ahmed Danbazau, in Abuja.

Mrs. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed deep concern over reports that women were subjected to sexual assault and harassment during the festival, describing the incidents as disturbing, unacceptable, and contrary to human dignity, public safety, and the rule of law.

“No cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form.

“Sexual assault is a serious criminal offence, and all allegations must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held fully accountable under the law,” she said.

She commended the swift response of the Delta State Police Command, while calling for a transparent, thorough, and expedited investigation to ensure justice is served.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising the safety and dignity of women and girls, noting that efforts were underway to provide victims with psychosocial care, medical attention, and legal support, in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs.

She added that the government would engage traditional leaders and community stakeholders to address harmful practices and prevent a recurrence.

The Delta State Government also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable”.

“The Delta State Government strongly condemns the harassment of ladies and the reported cases of rape during the Ozoro Festival. Such barbaric acts are totally unacceptable and have no place in our society,” the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said in a statement.

He stressed that cultural festivals must not be used as a cover for criminality and urged security agencies to apprehend all perpetrators.

“We are calling on the police and other security agencies to fish out those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice. No individual or group should be allowed to hide under the guise of a festival to perpetrate criminal activities,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the incident.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sp. Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aina Adesola, had ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“The community head and chief organiser of the event, Chief Omorede Sunday, and four other suspects from Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro have been arrested.

“The CP has ordered that they be transferred to the State CID with immediate effect. The CP vows that anyone involved will be arrested and brought to justice,” Edafe said.

He added that tactical and investigative assets had been deployed to identify and apprehend other individuals involved, urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.

“All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and the highest level of professionalism,” he said.

Edafe further assured residents that the Command remained committed to protecting lives, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and maintaining public order.

Multiple videos circulating online allegedly show men tearing the clothes of young women during the festival. In one clip, a young woman is seen crying while clutching her torn clothing as some men harass her.

The Ozoro Kingdom leadership, however, pushed back against what it described as misinformation surrounding the incident.

In a statement signed by the President-General, Odio (Chief) Berkley Asiafa, and Secretary-General, Prince Obaro Egware, the leadership confirmed that the incident occurred during the traditional Alue-Do Festival, a cultural event associated with fertility rites.

They explained that while certain symbolic practices are part of the tradition, they were misinterpreted and misapplied by some youths.

“Some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women,” the statement read.

The community leaders, however, refuted claims of rape and widespread violence.

Despite this, authorities have reiterated that all allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with those found culpable to be prosecuted in accordance with the law.