Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Community leaders in Ozoro Kingdom, Delta State, have strongly refuted widespread claims circulating online that a so-called “rape festival” took place during the recent Alue-Do cultural celebration, describing the reports as false, misleading, and damaging to the reputation of their cultural heritage.
In an official statement issued on behalf of the kingdom, the President-General, Chief Berkeley Asiafa, alongside Secretary-General Prince Obaro Egware, clarified that no incidents of rape were recorded during the festival held in Uruamudhu community. They emphasized that while misconduct did occur, it was limited to the harassment of two young women by individuals who allegedly took advantage of the occasion to behave irresponsibly.
The leadership stated that upon receiving reports of the incident, they acted promptly by alerting security agencies, who intervened to restore order. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the individuals involved, with assurances that appropriate actions will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Stone Reporters note that the clarification comes amid intense public outrage triggered by viral videos and social media narratives suggesting widespread sexual violence during the event. The community leaders warned that such portrayals not only misrepresent the facts but also risk inciting unnecessary tension and stigmatizing longstanding cultural practices.
According to the statement, the Alue-Do festival is an ancient cultural event specific to the Uruamudhu community, one of five traditional communities that make up the Ozoro Kingdom. The leaders stressed that the festival should not be generalized as representing the entire kingdom, noting that each community maintains its own distinct traditions and celebrations.
They further explained that the Alue-Do festival is traditionally regarded as a fertility rite, with symbolic practices aimed at invoking blessings for individuals or couples seeking children. One such practice involves playful, ritualistic acts such as dragging or pouring sand on married individuals without children, which is culturally interpreted as a gesture of fertility encouragement rather than harm.
However, the leaders acknowledged that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied these symbolic traditions in ways that crossed acceptable boundaries. They condemned such behavior unequivocally, stating that harassment or any form of misconduct has no place within their cultural framework and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The statement emphasized that the kingdom is taking steps to address the misconduct, including reinforcing community guidelines and working closely with security agencies to ensure accountability. Leaders also indicated that measures would be introduced to better regulate festival activities and prevent individuals from exploiting cultural events as cover for inappropriate actions.
At the same time, they urged the public and media platforms to exercise caution in reporting and sharing information, warning against the spread of unverified claims that could damage the image of the community and erode trust in cultural institutions.
The incident has nonetheless sparked broader conversations across Nigeria about the intersection of tradition, public safety, and accountability. While the community’s position seeks to correct what it describes as misinformation, calls persist from advocacy groups and members of the public for thorough investigations and justice for any victims of harassment.
As inquiries continue, the focus is likely to remain on establishing the full facts of the incident, ensuring that those responsible for misconduct are held accountable, and balancing the preservation of cultural practices with the protection of individual rights and dignity.
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