Leaders of Ozoro community in Delta State have denied allegations of rape linked to the Alue-Do festival, insisting that while misconduct occurred, reports of widespread sexual violence are false.
The reaction follows outrage on social media after videos surfaced on X showing men tearing the clothes of young women during the festival.
PUNCH Online reports that in one of the clips, men were seen groping women in what many described as disturbing scenes, while another showed a young woman crying and clutching her torn clothes as she was harassed.
The Delta State Government had earlier condemned the incidents, describing them as “barbaric, heinous and unacceptable,” and warning that no one should hide under the guise of cultural celebrations to commit criminal acts.
Police authorities also arrested a community leader, Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects over allegations of rape and assault.
However, in a statement issued on Friday and co-signed by its President-General, Berkley Asiafa, and Secretary-General, Obaro Egware, and seen on X, the Ozoro leadership said the viral videos misrepresented the festival.
“Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five traditional communities, each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals.
“On the said date, Uruamudhu Community celebrated one of its ancient festivals known as the Alue-Do Festival,” the statement reads.
The leaders described Alue-Do as a “festival of fertility, widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth”.
They explained that certain symbolic acts are part of the tradition.
“As part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility,” the statement added.
The community leaders, however, acknowledged that the tradition was abused.
“Some youths misinterpreted and misapplied the cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women,” the statement read.
The leaders stressed that contrary to reports circulating online, no rape occurred during the festival.
“We wish to clearly state that reports circulating on social media alleging that rape and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival are false and misleading.
“No incidents of rape were recorded. The situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the occasion to act irresponsibly,” the statement reads
According to the statement, community leaders had contacted security agencies, who restored order and commenced investigations.
“The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behaviour is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated.
“Appropriate steps are being taken to address the actions of those involved and to ensure that future celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, respectful and orderly manner,” the statement noted.
The leaders also urged the public to disregard what they described as false reports and avoid spreading misinformation capable of damaging the community’s cultural heritage.
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