Following the outrage the greeted the reports of alleged sexual violence occurring under the guise of an “annual festival” in Ozoro community within Delta State, the police have launched a probe into the ugly incident.
The reports of the alleged rape became viral following the circulation of distressing video on social media platforms. The videos suggest ugly scenes where women are targeted for coordinated assault by groups of men during traditional celebrations.
The video reportedly shows young women being chased and cornered by mobs of men in broad daylight. In many of the clips, the perpetrators appear emboldened, acting without fear of immediate intervention from bystanders or local authorities.
Reports also suggested that warnings had circulated within the community advising girls and women to remain indoors for their safety.
Reacting to the disturbing video, the Delta State Police Command described the incident as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing.”
Spokesperson Bright Edafe in a statement on X said the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, had immediately ordered a full investigation.
The statement reads, “This is alarming, disgusting and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident. The command condemns this in totality, no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.” The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Aina Adesola urges Deltans to remain calm while assuring that those responsible for this barbaric act will be arrested and brought to justice. The command also calls for witnesses who can provide with useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation.”
According to investigative reports these incidents are linked to specific local customs that are allegedly being weaponized to justify “rape culture.” Witnesses and survivors describe a chaotic environment where men, often in large groups, roam the streets to harass and forcefully assault women, claiming the acts are sanctioned by age-old tradition.
Meanwhile, angry Nigerians have reacted, with many calling for the immediate arrest of those identified in the videos. Activists argue that labeling these acts as “culture” is a dangerous attempt to normalize felony offenses.
“Rape is a crime under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), which is domestic law in Delta State,” said one legal advocate. “No traditional festival grants immunity for sexual assault or the violation of human dignity.”
Activist Deji Adeyanju tweeted, “Dear @PoliceNG_CRU and @PoliceNG, everyone involved in this barbaric act must be arrested and prosecuted. Act now, please.
Women’s rights groups, including the Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative and other regional NGOs, have demanded a full-scale investigation. They are calling for the identification and prosecution of every individual captured in the viral videos to serve as a deterrent. Advocacy groups maintain that tradition should never serve as a shield for gender-based violence.
Travel content creator, Tayo Aina, described the incident as “the sickest” thing he had seen, questioning what kind of tradition could permit such acts.
“This is the sickest shit I ever seen. What kind of disgusting tradition is this? Even animals can’t be doing this shit. Shame to all the men in this video. The government of Delta state needs to intervene and shut down whatever culture or tradition this is,” he wrote.
Reports indicate that these incidents often go underreported due to the high level of trauma and the lack of accessible justice for women in rural areas.
However, the viral nature of the current evidence has put immense pressure on the state government and the Commissioner of Police to take decisive action against the leaders of the communities where these “rape festivals” are allegedly held.
