By Ifeanyi Uwagwu
The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspects, including an alleged chief organiser, following viral videos showing the assault and harassment of women during a local event in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area.
The incident, reportedly linked to a community festival, sparked widespread outrage after footage circulated online showing groups of men chasing, groping and assaulting young women in public, with some victims crying out for help.
In response, the Police Command said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, condemned the act and ordered an immediate investigation upon the emergence of the videos, describing the acts as “criminal, inhumane and a grave violation of the rights and dignity of victims.”
The alleged organiser, identified as Omorede Sunday, along with five other suspects, has been arrested in connection with the incident. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Police authorities said tactical and investigative teams have been deployed to track and apprehend other individuals involved.
The Police Command condemned the incident and assured residents that all perpetrators would be brought to justice. It also urged victims, witnesses and members of the public to come forward with useful information, assuring them of confidentiality and professionalism.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.
The incident has since reignited concerns over harmful practices often associated with cultural gatherings, with advocacy groups calling for an end to all forms of gender-based violence. However, there is no official confirmation that the assaults were part of any recognised traditional practice.
Meanwhile, the kingdom, has debunked the allegations of rape and harassment at the festival.
The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom has refuted allegations of rape and widespread violence circulating on social media following events at a traditional festival held on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
In a press statement jointly signed by the President-General, Chief Berkley Asiafa, and Secretary-General, Prince Obaro Egware, the kingdom described the reports as false and misleading, clarifying that no incidents of rape were recorded during the celebration.
The leadership explained that the event in question was the Alue-Do Festival, an age-old cultural ceremony celebrated by the Uruamudhu Community, one of the five traditional communities that make up Ozoro Kingdom.
According to the statement, the Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a fertility festival, believed to bring blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing challenges with childbirth.
It noted that part of the symbolic practices of the festival includes the playful dragging and pouring of sand on married individuals without children, a cultural expression rooted in long-standing tradition.
However, the kingdom acknowledged that the event was marred by the misconduct of some youths who misinterpreted and misapplied the cultural practice, leading to the harassment of two young women.
“The situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the occasion to act irresponsibly,” the statement read.
The leadership did not explain what it meant by the irresponsible conduct of the individuals, but disclosed that it promptly contacted security agencies, who intervened to restore order and had since commenced investigations into the incident.
While condemning the actions of those involved, the kingdom stressed that harassment and any form of misconduct are not part of its cultural values and would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
It added that necessary steps were being taken to ensure those responsible are held accountable and to prevent a recurrence during future celebrations.
The leadership also urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and refrain from spreading misinformation capable of damaging the image of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
