Outrage as women are allegedly raped, assaulted during annual festival in Delta
Viral videos showing women being attacked and stripped during an annual festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, have triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria, with police confirming arrests have begun.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, during the festival, where women are allegedly expected to remain indoors. Reports indicate that women found outside during the event became targets of harassment by groups of men. Several reports claim that multiple cases of molestation occurred, and there are unverified allegations that some victims were raped, although authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming rape incidents.
In footage that circulated widely on social media, a man featured in one clip reportedly said “during this period, any girl that comes outside will be raped,” while another added “any woman outside becomes a target.”
The Delta State Police Command confirmed it is aware of the situation and has moved to act. Spokesperson Bright Edafe described the incident as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,” confirming that Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola has ordered a full investigation. “The command condemns this in totality — no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” Edafe said, urging witnesses to provide information to aid the investigation.
Arrests have since been made, with an official statement from the command expected shortly.
Isoko North Local Government chairman Godwin Ogorugba condemned the assaults as “inhumane, barbaric, and totally unacceptable,” and promised to prosecute those responsible as a deterrent. The Delta State Government has also condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric and calling on police to bring perpetrators to justice.
The incident has drawn fierce reaction on social media, with Nigerians demanding accountability from both traditional authorities and government. Activist and commentators called for harmful cultural practices to be abolished outright, with many arguing that no tradition that violates fundamental human rights has a place in modern society.
Investigation ongoing. This story will be updated
