In Nigeria, the Delta state police have announced the arrest of 15 individuals following videos that surfaced online depicting alleged sexual assaults at the recent Alue-Do fertility festival in Ozoro.
Disturbing clips showed groups of young men chasing, stripping, and assaulting women in public, igniting widespread anger within the community and leading to the trending hashtag #StopRapingWomen on social media platforms. The police characterized the scenes as 'alarming, disgusting and embarrassing', confirming that several suspects identified in the videos were promptly detained and transferred to the state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Addressing concerns, police spokesperson Bright Edafe stated that no formal reports of rape had been filed concerning the festival, while stressing the importance of distinguishing between cultural practices and criminal acts.
Despite the lack of formal complaints, rights activists assert that the documented incidents of forced stripping and public humiliation embody serious gender-based violence, regardless of whether they meet legal definitions of rape. They emphasized that such actions cannot be overlooked.
The King of Ozoro has distanced the festival from any accusations of condoning sexual violence, describing it as an ancient fertility rite that was misused by some participants. Local officials have echoed these sentiments, asserting that any acts of harassment were not culturally endorsed but were, in fact, criminal offenses.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has condemned the assaults, reinforcing that no culture can justify the violation of women and girls. She praised law enforcement for taking action and urged victims to seek medical and psychological support.
The ongoing investigations highlight a broader issue concerning the safety of women in Nigeria during cultural events, with many expressing fears that the incidents may reflect a deeper societal problem regarding gender-based violence.
