Ozoro Kingdom Says No Rape Occurred at Alue-Do Festival

The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom has rejected allegations of rape and widespread violence linked to a recent traditional festival, insisting that claims circulating on social media do not reflect what happened during the event.

In a statement jointly signed by President-General Berkley Asiafa and Secretary-General Obaro Egware, the kingdom stated that no rape cases were reported during the festival held on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

According to the leadership, the event in question is the Alue-Do Festival, a long-standing cultural celebration observed by the Uruamudhu community, one of the five traditional communities in Ozoro. The ceremony is traditionally tied to fertility and is believed to bring blessings to couples seeking children.

The statement noted that certain symbolic activities form part of the celebration, including playful acts such as dragging and pouring sand on married couples without children, practices the community regards as part of its cultural heritage.

However, the kingdom admitted that the conduct of some youths disrupted the event, with reports of harassment involving young women. Authorities said security agencies were alerted and stepped in to restore order.

While condemning the actions of those involved, the leadership stressed that harassment or abuse has no place in the kingdom’s traditions. It added that efforts are underway to identify those responsible and prevent similar incidents in the future, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified claims capable of damaging the community’s cultural reputation.