No Victim Reported Rape in Ozoro Festival – Police

The Delta State Police Command says it has yet to receive any official report of rape linked to the controversial Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, despite widespread outrage and viral videos circulating on social media.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, made the clarification on Monday during a Television interview. He said preliminary investigations, including interviews with four young women, did not produce any claim of rape. According to him, none of the individuals interviewed stated that they were raped. Edafe noted that the police would rely on verified evidence and witness statements in determining the nature of the offences committed.

According to him, the Alue-Do festival was organised by a chief priest as a traditional rite aimed at praying for women seeking children. He stressed that the event was not intended to promote sexual violence, adding that investigations would focus on allegations of sexual assault where evidence supports such claims.

Edafe also confirmed that 16 suspects are currently in police custody in relation to the incident. He explained that the initial arrests involved the chief priest and four others, while further review of video footage led to the identification and arrest of 11 additional suspects. The suspects have been transferred to the State Command Headquarters for investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Police teams also visited Ozoro and the nearby Oramudu community where they met with four affected women. Authorities assured them of government support, including medical attention, psychological care and compensation for damaged property.

The police spokesperson criticised the organisers for failing to notify relevant authorities before the gathering. He said the traditional ruler, the students’ union, school authorities and the police were not informed ahead of the festival, a lapse he said contributed to the disorder that followed.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has condemned the incident and announced a ban on the Alue-Do festival, stating that cultural practices cannot excuse criminal behaviour. The Ozoro Kingdom Palace has also distanced itself from the violence, maintaining that the harassment of women during the event does not reflect the traditions of the community.