The Delta State Police Command has denied claims that the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro was a “rape festival,” stating that no official reports of sexual assault have been received.
Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe confirmed this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
“It is important to state clearly that among the four girls interviewed, not one reported being raped. To date, no official complaint of rape has been lodged,” Edafe said. He added that investigations are guided strictly by evidence and witness statements, stressing that the festival, a traditional fertility rite, was not intended to promote sexual violence.
“It was organised by a chief priest to pray for barren women seeking the fruit of the womb. The law operates on evidence and witness accounts; in the absence of such reports, we are investigating any cases of sexual assault,” he said.
Edafe further revealed that 16 suspects have been arrested. The chief priest, initially detained with four others, and 11 additional suspects identified through video analysis, are now in custody at the State Command Headquarters for investigation by the DC State CID.
The police also visited Uzoro and the Oramudu community, meeting four victims. Authorities assured that the state government would cover medical expenses, compensate for lost property, and provide psychological support.
Lack of official notification
The officer noted that due process was not followed in organising the festival, with the traditional ruler, students’ union, school management, and police left uninformed. “The chief priest’s negligence led to this embarrassment and the sexual assault of innocent girls,” he said.
Edafe urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, emphasizing that safeguarding should not focus solely on girls.
Festival controversy
The Alue-Do festival, held once every three to four years, sparked national outrage after viral videos showed men harassing women. While social media dubbed it a “rape festival,” community leaders maintained that hoodlums hijacked the event to commit crimes.
The Delta State Government condemned the incident, stressing that cultural practices cannot excuse criminal acts. The festival has been banned, and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, Ibuka I (JP), Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, condemned the harassment and intimidation of women, calling it “unacceptable” and contrary to the kingdom’s values. The palace stressed that the festival’s cultural significance as a fertility rite should never justify abuse or misconduct and distanced itself from social media claims suggesting otherwise.
