Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria — A storm of public outrage, conflicting accounts and intensified police action has engulfed the Uruamudhu community in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, over reports that female students were sexually harassed during a traditional festival. What began as widely circulated social media videos and distressing eyewitness claims has since drawn national condemnation, arrests by law enforcement, diverse narratives from community leaders, and renewed debates on cultural practices and women’s safety.
According to the Students Union Government (SUG) of Southern Delta University, six female students reported that they were sexually harassed — not raped — during the festival held on March 19, 2026, in the Uruamudhu quarters of Ozoro kingdom. SUG President Oribelua Precious clarified that while students experienced harassment and some personal belongings were stolen, none of the victims have confirmed rape allegations. At the time of his statement, the students had returned home as the school was not in session. The union was still compiling details of all affected students.
The President General of Ozoro kingdom, Chief Berkeley Asiafa, supported this position, saying hoodlums, rather than traditional custodians, were responsible for the misconduct and that the festival itself did not endorse rape. He said three of the young women had spoken to the Delta State Commissioner of Police during a visit to the kingdom, reaffirming that their accounts involved harassment rather than rape. Chief Asiafa and other traditional leaders warned against misinformation on social media, insisting that no rape was recorded during the event, even as they condemned the improper conduct by some youths.
Eyewitness accounts and viral clips circulating online — some showing groups of men chasing, groping and tearing clothing off female attendees — sparked immediate outrage. These disturbing visuals drew severe backlash both within and outside Nigeria. Many called on authorities to protect women and ensure justice for those affected. The Delta State Police Command described the situation as “alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing,” emphasising that no cultural tradition justifies harm or rights violations against women and girls.
In response to the uproar, the Delta State Police launched an investigation, leading to several arrests. Among those detained were the community head and multiple others allegedly involved in the harassment. These suspects were reportedly transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department as part of ongoing inquiries. Police have urged witnesses and victims to come forward to aid the probe.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, also intervened, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Senior police officers, including the Delta State Commissioner of Police, held consultations with community leaders, student representatives and local authorities to gather facts and build confidence in the investigative process. The official line from the police has been clear — any criminal act, irrespective of alleged cultural context, will be prosecuted under Nigerian law.
The festival in question has been referred to by some residents and commentators as the Alue-Do or Uruamudhu Aluejo festival, a traditional observance with deep historical roots in the community. Longstanding local narratives suggest that the festival is associated with appeasing deities, honouring ancestors and seeking protection, and that, in past practice, women were expected to remain indoors during certain periods of the celebration. However, this year’s event appears to have been marred by violent conduct from individuals who allegedly used the occasion to carry out harassment and intimidation of women in public spaces.
Not all local voices agree on the causes or context of the incident. Some community leaders and cultural advocates have insisted that the reported events have been exaggerated or misrepresented online, warning against discourse that tarnishes the community’s reputation and cultural heritage. They stress that the alleged harassment was carried out by a minority of youths, not as a sanctioned practice of the festival itself.
The broader public reaction has been intense and emotionally charged, with high-profile figures and organisations condemning the events. The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the footage as degrading and barbaric, asserting that no tradition should serve as a pretext for violating the dignity or rights of women and girls. She called on authorities to ensure that all perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences and urged victims to seek necessary support.
Similarly, civil society organisations, student bodies and human rights advocates — including the National Association of Nigerian Students Zone B South-South — have blasted the incidents as reprehensible violations of human rights that must be thoroughly investigated and addressed. These groups have demanded protection for students and more robust community engagement to prevent recurrence.
Legal and advocacy communities also weighed in. The Nigerian Bar Association, along with prominent activists and former government officials, condemned the assaults as gross violations of constitutional rights and international human rights standards. They called for transparent prosecutions and stronger mechanisms to safeguard women and girls during public events, cultural or otherwise.
The Delta State Government issued official statements condemning the harassment and ordering heightened security measures. State officials reiterated that any cultural celebration must not be used as an opportunity to perpetrate criminal acts. There has been a clear message from authorities that women’s rights, freedom of movement and dignity are paramount and protected under Nigerian law.
As investigations continue, questions remain about the exact number of victims, the full extent of the harms suffered, and the accountability mechanisms that will follow. Authorities have pledged to provide justice and ensure all suspects are prosecuted if found culpable. Meanwhile, the Southern Delta University community and the broader student population are grappling with the psychological and social impact of the episode, with many students expressing concerns about personal safety and the community’s capacity to protect them.
This incident has ignited broader discussions about gender-based violence, cultural practices and community responsibility in Nigeria. While traditional festivals contribute to cultural identity and heritage, the events in Ozoro have underscored the urgent need for policies, education and community leadership that uphold human rights and public safety for all.
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