Police in Nigeria have recently arrested 15 individuals in connection with allegations of sexual assault that occurred during the Alue-Do fertility festival in Ozoro, Delta state. The arrests were made after disturbing videos surfaced online, showing groups of young men attacking women in public.
The videos ignited public outrage and led to the trending hashtag #StopRapingWomen on social media, prompting calls for increased accountability in addressing gender-based violence. However, the Delta state police have refuted claims that the festival itself was a 'rape festival.'
According to a police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, there were no formal reports of rape linked to the festival, emphasizing that the videos depicted 'alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing' behavior. Despite this, they did confirm that several suspects had been arrested based on visual evidence captured in the videos.
The festival attracted widespread public attention as witnesses reported that women were advised to stay indoors during certain festival activities, with those who ventured out allegedly targeted specifically.
Although authorities are continuing their investigations, rights activists underline that regardless of whether rape occurred, the acts captured in the videos—including forced stripping and public humiliation—constitute serious gender-based violence. The King of Ozoro has condemned suggestions that the festival endorses such behavior, denying any cultural acceptance of sexual violence.
Nigeria's First Lady has voiced strong condemnation regarding the alleged assaults, urging security agencies to take decisive action against offenders while also encouraging victims to seek necessary medical or psychological support.
