Five suspects, including a community leader and festival organiser, have been arrested by the Delta State Police Command following alleged sexual assaults and harassment of women during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.

The arrests followed the circulation of disturbing videos on social media showing young men attacking women during the event, widely identified as the “Alue-Do Festival,” also referred to as the Festival of Fertility.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed that one of the key suspects is Chief Omorede Sunday, the community head and chief organiser of the event, alongside four others from Oramudu quarters.

Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola has ordered their transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and assured that all perpetrators will be apprehended.

Authorities described the incident as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,” stressing that no cultural practice supersedes citizens’ rights.

The federal government has also intervened, with Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, ordering the arrest and prosecution of those involved.

She condemned the acts as “disturbing and unacceptable,” citing protections under Nigeria’s Constitution and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and called for a transparent and accelerated investigation.

The minister also pledged support for victims through collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, including psychosocial care, medical treatment, and legal assistance, while urging engagement with community leaders to address harmful norms.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with activists, civil society groups, and professional bodies demanding accountability.

Over 500 organisations under Womanifesto described the acts as a grave violation of women’s rights, while the African Democratic Congress and the Nigerian Bar Association called for zero impunity and thorough prosecution.

Public figures, including Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof), also condemned the incident as barbaric, raising concerns about safety in the area.

While conflicting claims have emerged about the festival’s existence, authorities continue investigations, urging public cooperation to identify and prosecute all those responsible.