Police Arrest Community Leaders Over Alleged “Rape Festival” in Delta State

Police in Delta State have detained several community leaders over an alleged “rape festival” in Isoko North Local Government Area.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest of six suspects, including a local chief, Omorede Sunday, who authorities say played a key role in organizing the event. Acting on orders from the Commissioner of Police, all suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.

The arrests followed widespread outrage triggered by viral social media videos showing a group of young men assaulting a woman in Ozoro. In the footage, the victim is surrounded, her clothes torn, and she is attacked by the crowd—sparking national condemnation.

Reports indicate that the incident is linked to a week-long traditional festival during which women are allegedly warned to stay indoors or risk being sexually assaulted. Although some locals claim the ritual is an age-old practice tied to cultural beliefs, the recent violence has intensified calls for accountability.

Further accounts from the community suggest the festival, known as “Alue-Do,” is associated with fertility rites. However, this year’s activities reportedly turned violent, with female students—particularly from Southern Delta University—targeted, harassed, and assaulted in public. Several victims were said to have required medical treatment, according to student representatives.

Traditional ruler of Ozoro, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, distanced himself from the incidents, stating that such acts are not part of the festival as he has known it over the past two decades.

Both the Delta State Government and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have strongly condemned the events, describing them as unacceptable and criminal. Authorities have pledged to track down all those involved and reiterated that no cultural justification will be tolerated for acts of violence against women.