The Delta State Police Command has dismissed claims that the controversial Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro was a “rape festival,” stating that no victim has officially reported rape in connection with the March 19 incident.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, made this known on Monday while featuring on Your View, a flagship programme on Television Continental, a private TV station.
Edafe explained that while videos from the festival showed cases of assault, there is currently no evidence or formal complaint indicating that rape occurred.
“As of now, the information available to us shows that nobody was raped. While some may argue that victims could be afraid to come forward, experience has shown that, over time, victims and their families do speak out,” he said.
He noted that increased awareness in Delta State has encouraged more survivors of sexual violence to report cases and seek justice, thereby aiding law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting offenders.
According to him, investigations are ongoing, with the police relying strictly on available evidence, including witness accounts and video footage.
“Our legal team is reviewing the case file and will determine the appropriate charges based on the evidence before us. If, at any point, additional witnesses come forward with claims of rape, such charges will be added,” he said.
Edafe disclosed that 16 suspects, including some community leaders, are currently in custody. He added that individuals who may not have directly participated in the assault could still face charges for failing to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The head of the community, the chief priest of Oramutu Quarters, and other elders involved in organising the festival are in custody along with other suspects. Everyone found culpable will be held accountable,” he said.
He stressed the importance of notifying security agencies ahead of large gatherings, noting that proper planning and deployment could help prevent such incidents.
“There is no such thing as a ‘rape festival’ in Delta State. Criminality must not be confused with culture. Those responsible are hoodlums who acted on their own and will be treated as criminals,” Edafe added.
He further clarified that the suspects arrested so far have not linked their actions to any directive from community leaders or festival organisers.
“The individuals involved acted independently. There is no evidence that the chief priest or any authority instructed them to harass women,” he said.
Edafe warned that such incidents, if not properly managed, could escalate beyond assault and potentially lead to fatalities.
“It could have been worse. That is why it is important to involve the police to ensure proper monitoring and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” he said.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage after viral videos showed groups of men harassing and assaulting women in broad daylight, prompting some social media users to describe it as a “rape festival.”
Condemning the attacks, the Delta State Government reiterated that cultural practices cannot be used to justify criminal acts.
In a separate interview on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, the President-General of the Ozoro Progress Union, Asiafa Berkeley, also denounced the actions of the youths involved.
“This has never happened in Ozoro. No one authorised those youths to carry out such acts,” he said.
Berkeley further rejected claims that the festival promotes sexual violence, explaining that it is traditionally meant for prayers, particularly for women seeking fertility.
He maintained that the actions captured in the viral videos were criminal acts by individuals and not part of the cultural practice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, has commended the police for their swift response in restoring calm in Ozoro following the incident that triggered widespread public outrage.
Ohwovoriole gave the commendation on Monday during a visit to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, at the Command Headquarters in Asaba, where he led a delegation from the Attorney-General’s office.
He assured the police of the state government’s support in the diligent prosecution of all those found culpable, stressing that justice must be served and that appropriate punishment would serve as a deterrent to others.
In his response, Adesola appreciated the visit and the continued support of the state government in restoring peace to Ozoro.
The police commissioner said measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence, noting that he had personally visited the area to engage relevant stakeholders.
He added that the investigation team had been directed to ensure the swift prosecution of all suspects directly involved in the incident, assuring the public of the command’s commitment to justice and accountability.
