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Delta Police confirm 16 arrests over Ozoro festival harassment, no official rape complaints.
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Community leaders say hoodlums exploited the festival; palace condemns abuse.
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Festival banned, investigations ongoing at State Criminal Investigation Department.
The Delta State Police Command has dismissed claims that the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro was a “rape festival,” clarifying that no victim has officially reported sexual assault.
Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe said four girls interviewed denied being raped. He stressed that investigations are guided by evidence and witness statements, not public perception.
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“The festival was organised by a chief priest to pray for barren women seeking fertility. It was not meant to promote sexual violence,” Edafe said.
Authorities have arrested 16 suspects, including the chief priest and the community head. Additional arrests followed video analysis identifying further participants. All suspects are now in custody at the State Command Headquarters for investigation by the DC State CID.
The police visited Uzoro and Oramudu communities, meeting victims and assuring government support for medical care, compensation, and psychological assistance.
READ ALSO: Outrage in Delta as Women Allegedly Assaulted During Ozoro Festival
Edafe noted that the festival was organised without notifying key authorities, including the traditional ruler, students’ union, school management, or police. He warned that such negligence contributed to the harassment.
The Ozoro Kingdom Palace condemned the abuse, calling it “unacceptable” and contrary to the kingdom’s values. While acknowledging the festival’s cultural significance as a fertility rite, the palace stressed that tradition must never justify violence.
The Delta State Government has banned the Alue-Do festival and transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action, reiterating that cultural practices cannot excuse criminal acts.