Tales of rape, harassment and horror have filled the Internet following an a traditional festival in Ozoro, Delta State, where women were targeted reportedly for sexual assaults.
The alarm was sounded by a social media user, Veronica Park (@Tegsmamaa), who alleged that girls in the community were freely molested and raped under the guise of a long-standing cultural practice.
According to her posts, the festival, reportedly lasting seven days, comes with a chilling rule: women are expected to stay indoors, and those found outside from 12 noon are allegedly subjected to harassment and sexual violence.
“The videos I’ve seen are horrific,” she wrote, adding that some residents appeared to cheer and record the incidents rather than intervene.
Further amplifying the concern, another member of the community who spoke and shared videos with instablog9ja, @efebradzofficial, claimed the situation was happening “live,” with pleas for urgent public awareness and intervention.
The videos that are now making the rounds show women at different parts of the community being manhandled. A particular one that stood out shows a lady with her torn cloth begging to be released while men were touching her inappropriately.
The incident has sparked outrage across social media, with many condemning any culture or tradition that endangers women and are calling for immediate action from authorities and community leaders. Critics also pointed fingers at local leadership, accusing them of failing to protect vulnerable residents.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from law enforcement or government authorities regarding the claims. However, the growing attention has intensified calls for a thorough investigation and swift justice if the reports are verified.
POLICE ACT, NAB SUSPECTS
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a community leader and five others in connection with alleged sexual assaults that occurred during a local event in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests followed the circulation of disturbing videos from Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro, which reportedly captured the molestation and sexual assault of young women during the event.
In a statement issued on March 20, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, expressed grave concern over the incident and strongly condemned the acts, describing them as criminal, inhumane, and a gross violation of the victims’ fundamental rights and dignity.
According to the statement, the chief organiser of the event, identified as Chief Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects, has been arrested.
The police also confirmed the arrest of the head of Oramudu community in connection with the incident.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive probe.
He also directed the deployment of tactical and investigative teams to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.
“The Command unequivocally condemns such acts in their entirety. Acts of sexual violence are criminal and unacceptable under any guise,” the statement noted.
The police called on victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation, assuring that all information would be handled with strict confidentiality and professionalism.
CP Adesola further appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding citizens’ rights, and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Delta State Police Command assured that those found culpable in the incident would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
DELTA GOVT CONDEMNS HARASSMENT
The Delta State Government has strongly condemned the reported harassment and assault of women during the recent Ozoro Festival, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Friday, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government was deeply disturbed by reports of women being harassed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted under the guise of festival activities.
Aniagwu stressed that the state government frowns at any act that violates the dignity and rights of women, noting that cultural celebrations must never be used as a cover for criminality.
“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,” he said.
He called on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.
“We are calling on the police and other security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of 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,” Aniagwu added.
The commissioner further assured residents that the state government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, especially women and vulnerable groups.
He also urged community leaders and organizers of cultural festivals across the state to put in place adequate measures to safeguard participants and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The government reiterated its zero tolerance for gender-based violence and warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
