Nigeria/ Alue-Do Festival: Police arrest 15 as violence against women prompts national outcry
Following the circulation of disturbing videos showing young men chasing, stripping, and assaulting women during the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, Delta State, Nigerian police have arrested 15 suspects, including a community leader identified as the event’s organiser.
The footage, which sparked the viral hashtag #StopRapingWomen, prompted widespread outrage.
While police described the scenes as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,” authorities clarified that no formal rape complaints have been filed.
Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed that four women interviewed stated they were not raped.
The King of Ozoro condemned the violence, insisting the fertility rite was “misinterpreted and abused by youths” and emphasizing that harassment is criminal, not cultural.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, called for the prosecution of all offenders, stating that no culture justifies gender-based violence.
Rights groups note that the documented acts constitute serious sexual violence under Nigerian law. Investigations are ongoing.
