By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The ‘Alue-Do’ festival in Ozoro, Delta State, took a dark turn as several women and female students were sexually assaulted, sparking widespread outrage.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, and involved young women being attacked, stripped, and molested in broad daylight, with videos of the assaults spreading on social media.
The festival is said to be a traditional fertility rite aimed at blessing couples with children, and it involves restrictions on women’s movement, putting them at risk of harassment if found outdoors during certain hours.
Residents reported that warnings were issued for women to stay indoors during the festival, leading to the closure of businesses and non-indigenes fleeing the area.
The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom expressed shock, saying that he was not aware of the nature of the festival. Community leaders acknowledged the incident, assuring that the behavior was unacceptable and security agencies have been informed.
The National Association of Nigerian Students condemned the incident as a gross violation of human rights, calling for a thorough investigation and justice. The student body also directed an assessment of the situation, with some victims receiving treatment at a hospital.
Some affected individuals shared their experiences, with Vallery saying, “So bad. I locked myself inside the house.” Slim Mama added, “Same here. I have been so scared to step outside my door.”
The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom said, “I have never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed, sexually molested or raped in my community.”
Oribelua Precious, Student Union Government President, said, “When we got to the hospital, the doctor on duty confirmed that no student was penetrated but they were molested; although an attempt to rape anyone cannot be taken lightly because it is a serious matter.”
