Ozoro Festival Scandal: 15 arrested as Police hunt more suspects over alleged sexual assault
At least 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with alleged sexual assaults that reportedly occurred during a cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State, sparking outrage across the country.
The disturbing incident is said to have taken place during the Alue-Do Festival in the Oramudu area, where viral videos showed women being harassed and assaulted by groups of men, triggering widespread condemnation on social media.
Confirming the development, the Delta State Police Command disclosed that additional arrests were recently made, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 15. Authorities noted that the suspects include individuals allegedly linked to the organisation and coordination of the event.
Police described the acts as criminal and unacceptable, stressing that such behaviour has no place in any cultural practice. They maintained that preliminary findings suggest the festival may have been hijacked by criminal elements, rather than reflecting the true traditions of the community.
A manhunt is ongoing for other suspects believed to have participated in the assaults, with security agencies urging victims and eyewitnesses to come forward with useful information to aid investigations.
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to pour in from across the country, with civil society organisations and public figures demanding a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible.
However, some community leaders have pushed back against the widespread characterisation of the event, denying that rape was part of the festival and insisting that the situation has been misrepresented.
Despite the conflicting narratives, rights advocates insist that justice must be served, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden similar acts in the future.
Authorities have assured the public that all those found culpable will be brought to justice, as efforts intensify to restore confidence and ensure accountability.
