Delta State Police Command has arrested 18 suspects following widespread outrage over videos showing sexual harassment, assault, and public stripping of women during the Alue-Do festival in Uruamudhu Community, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on March 19, 2026, during the Alue-Do, a fertility festival traditionally meant to bless women for childbearing. Videos circulating online showed young men chasing women, tearing their clothes, and groping them in public. While social media reports described the event as a “rape festival,” the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) clarified that none of the four women who came forward alleged forced carnal knowledge. They were, however, sexually assaulted and publicly humiliated.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said, “Eighteen suspects are currently with us and four women came to report but nobody was raped. They will be charged for sexual assault.”
The incident has drawn condemnation from civil society groups, with Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) calling it a stark reminder that public spaces remain unsafe for many women. Executive Director Dr Adaora Sydney-Jack said, “Culture should uplift, not harm. When women are dehumanised in the name of tradition, it is no longer culture; it is a violation. Every woman deserves respect, safety, and protection at all times. Communities, leaders, and institutions must ensure such violations never happen again.”
The Alue-Do festival attack has sparked calls for justice and systemic change to safeguard women in public spaces, highlighting the urgent need for cultural practices to respect human dignity.
