Disturbing reports and viral videos have emerged from Ozoro, Delta State, detailing widespread sexual assault and molestation of women during what some have described as a ‘raping festival’ on Thursday, March 19. According to accounts, the community traditionally observes a festival in March where women are expected to remain indoors. However, during this particular event, any lady found in public was reportedly attacked by groups of men who allegedly ripped off their clothes and molested them, with some victims seen crying for help. Allegations of rape by the rampaging men have also surfaced.

The Delta State Police Command swiftly addressed the incidents. SP Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the incidents to reporters on Friday, March 20, describing the acts as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a gross violation of human rights.” Upon reviewing the disturbing footage, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, immediately ordered an investigation. This led to the arrest of Chief Omorede Sunday, identified as the chief organiser of the event in Ozoro, along with four other suspects connected to the acts in Oramudu quarters, Isoko North Local Government Area.

The police command expressed “grave concern,” condemning the acts as “criminal, inhumane, and a grave violation of the fundamental rights and dignity of victims.” The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, with tactical and investigative assets deployed to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all culpable individuals. The police have urged the public, including victims and witnesses, to come forward with information, assuring strict confidentiality and professionalism. CP Adesola appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting citizens' rights and maintaining public order.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various authorities. Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman of Isoko North Local Government, condemned the assaults as “inhumane, barbaric, and totally unacceptable,” and “sacrilegious.” While he denied that rape occurred, he acknowledged the molestation and assault of women during the festival. Ogorugba noted that there was no official notification or approval from community leadership for such a festival this year, making the incidents even more troubling. He vowed that perpetrators would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent, stating that security agencies are scrutinizing videos to identify those responsible for what he described as a “disappointing” and “wicked act.”

The Delta State Government also strongly condemned the acts. Charles Aniagwu, State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, described the incidents as barbaric and unacceptable. He emphasized that the government “frowns on any act that violates the dignity and rights of women” and stressed that “cultural celebrations must never be used as a cover for criminality.” Aniagwu urged police and other security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, assuring residents of the state government's commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, particularly women and vulnerable groups.

Public outrage has mounted following the reports and viral videos, sparking condemnation across social media and among civil society groups. The alleged “raping festival” created an atmosphere of fear, with young women reportedly warned to stay indoors to avoid attacks. Concerns were particularly raised for female students of Delta State University, Ozoro, and visitors unfamiliar with the festival's alleged dangers. Community sources alleged multiple cases of molestation and rape, highlighting the breakdown of traditional guidance, as the kingdom’s leadership normally issues approvals and sensitization ahead of such festivals, which was absent this year.