The leadership of Ozoro community in Delta state has reacted to allegations of rape and harassment of young women trailing its Alue-Do festival.
On Thursday, outrage erupted on social media after multiple videos circulated on X showing men tearing the clothes of young women during the festival.
In one of the viral clips, men were seen groping the women in a manner widely described as animalistic and despicable.
In the clip, a young woman could be seen crying and clutching her torn clothing as some men violently harassed her.
The state government condemned the incidents, describing them as “barbaric, heinous and unacceptable”.
The government said no individual or group should be allowed to hide under the guise of a festival to perpetrate criminal acts.
As outrage grew, the state police arrested Omorede Sunday, a community leader, and four other suspects over allegations of rape and assault.
‘IT’S A CULTURAL FESTIVAL’
But a statement on Friday co-signed by Berkley Asiafa, president-general, and Obaro Egware, secretary-general, said the viral videos portrayed the festival in a bad light.
“Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five traditional communities, each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals,” the statement reads.
“On the said date, Uruamudhu Community celebrated one of its ancient festivals known as the Alue-Do Festival.”
The community leaders described Alue-Do as a “festival of fertility, widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth”.
“As part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility,” the statement added.
The leaders, however, said “some youths misinterpreted and misapplied the cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women”.
‘NO RAPE RECORDED’
The community leaders noted that, contrary to widespread reports, there was no rape at the festival, but two young women were harassed.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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 statement added that the community leadership contacted security agencies, who brought the situation under control and have commenced investigations.
“The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behaviour is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated,” the statement reads.
“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 community leaders urged the public to disregard false reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of its cultural heritage.
