Authorities in Nigeria have detained 15 individuals following allegations of sexual assault linked to a community festival in Delta State, as disturbing videos circulating online triggered public outrage.
Clips widely shared on social media show groups of young men targeting women who were alone, subjecting them to harassment and abuse in public spaces. The footage fueled anger nationwide, with the hashtag #StopRapingWomen gaining traction and reigniting debate around gender-based violence.
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims suggesting that the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro was organised as a “rape festival.” Speaking during a media interview, police spokesperson Bright Edafe stated that no official complaints of rape had been filed in connection with the incident.
Scenes captured during the Alue-Do fertility celebration in Ozoro depict young men chasing, stripping, and assaulting women, in some instances while bystanders recorded the acts. The police described the footage as deeply troubling and confirmed that suspects identified from the videos have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probing.
According to Edafe, interactions with some of the women involved did not indicate cases of rape, although investigations remain ongoing. Among those in custody is a local leader reportedly linked to organising the event.
Accounts from witnesses and activists suggest that women had been cautioned to stay indoors during parts of the festival, with those seen outside allegedly singled out for attacks. This has raised fears that such acts may have been tolerated or orchestrated under the guise of tradition.
Human rights advocates argue that regardless of whether rape occurred, the actions captured—such as forced undressing, physical assault, and public humiliation—amount to serious violations under Nigerian law.
Traditional authorities, including the monarch of Ozoro, have rejected claims that the festival promotes sexual violence, describing it as a fertility rite that was misused by some participants. While acknowledging reports of harassment, they insist such behaviour is criminal and not rooted in culture.
Officials from the Delta State government have echoed this position, maintaining that no legitimate cultural event condones abuse and that perpetrators must be dealt with under the law.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has also condemned the incidents, urging law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served. She emphasised that no tradition can justify harm against women and encouraged affected individuals to seek both medical care and psychological support.
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