Delta community leaders: Some youths misinterpreted tradition to harass women at festival

The leadership of Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State says some youths misinterpreted a cultural practice negatively and unacceptably, resulting in the harassment of some women during a recent festival in the community.

Viral videos had shown women being attacked during the festival in Ozoro, Delta State.

The videos, which began circulating on social media on Friday, March 20, 2026, capture scenes of women in distress and crying out for help as groups of men reportedly harassed and assaulted them openly in public spaces.

Speaking on the incident via a statement issued on Friday, the community leadership said the Alue-Do Festival was held in Uruamudhu community, one of the five traditional communities that make up Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the statement signed by Ozoro Kingdom President General, Berkley Asiafa, and Secretary General, Obaro Egware, the Alue-Do Festival is an age-long fertility rite believed to bring blessings of children to individuals or couples facing challenges with childbirth.

The leadership explained that part of the tradition involves symbolic acts such as playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals without children, as a cultural expression tied to fertility beliefs.

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It stated: “However, it has come to our attention that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women.

“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 leadership of the Ozoro Kingdom immediately contacted the security agencies who brought the situation under control and are conducting their investigations.

“The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behavior 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 Star