The Delta State Government has banned the Ozoro fertility festival following allegations of sexual assault on female participants, describing the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
The ban comes amid outrage over the account of a 300-level student of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Miss Ezeugo Ijeoma Rosemary, who alleged that she was stripped naked and molested by a mob during the event.
Recounting her ordeal, the student said the incident occurred on Thursday evening near her school when she unknowingly walked into activities linked to the festival.
“I came down from a bike and suddenly boys started shouting, ‘Hold her, hold her.’ They rushed at me, tore my clothes and stripped me naked.
They were touching my body and pulling my breasts. They also took my phone,” she said.
She added that she was later rescued by a passerby but has since been battling physical pain and psychological trauma.
Reacting, the state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, condemned the development, stressing that cultural events must not be used as a cover for criminality.
“The Delta State Government strongly condemns the harassment of ladies during the Ozoro festival. Such acts have no place in our society,” Aniagwu said, adding that security measures for public gatherings would be reviewed.
The police confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, said although there was no official report of rape, cases of sexual assault were established.
Edafe disclosed that the chief priest who organised the festival had been taken into custody for failing to notify relevant authorities, noting that the lapse contributed to the breakdown of law and order.
Community leaders in Ozoro distanced the kingdom from the incident, attributing the violence to criminal elements.
In a statement signed by the President-General of Ozoro, Chief Berkley Asiafa, the community acknowledged that some youths misinterpreted the cultural practice, leading to the harassment of two women.
Similarly, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, condemned the act and called for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved, insisting that such behaviour was alien to the values of the people.
Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Godwin Ogorugba, described the incident as unfortunate, maintaining that there was no such thing as a “rape festival” in Ozoro, but rather a cultural event hijacked by hoodlums.
The incident has attracted widespread condemnation from civil society organisations and women’s groups.
ActionAid Nigeria described the development as a “grave failure to guarantee safety and dignity in a communal space,” calling for urgent reforms and stricter enforcement of laws protecting women.
However, a law lecturer at Delta State University, Prof. A.C.E. Abuza, opposed the outright ban of the festival, arguing that the tradition should be regulated rather than scrapped, blaming the violence on external elements.
Historically known as Aluedhor, the festival is rooted in fertility rites believed to aid women seeking children.
However, observers said this year’s event was marred by poor planning, lack of security and the influx of unruly elements.
As investigations continue, residents have expressed concerns over safety at public gatherings, with many calling for stricter oversight and accountability.
For the victims, the demand remains justice and assurances that such an incident will not recur.
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