The Delta State Police Command has dismissed widespread 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 incident.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, clarified that investigations so far do not support allegations of rape.
“It is important to state clearly that among the four girls that were interviewed yesterday, no one, not one of them, said they were raped. Up till this very moment, we have not had any official reports that anybody was raped,” he said.
Edafe emphasised that law enforcement actions are based strictly on evidence and verified testimonies.
“The law does not work on emotions; the law works on available evidence and statements of witnesses. For the fact that we have not had a witness who says ‘I was raped’, and the evidence does not show that anybody was raped, sexual assault is what we would be investigating,” he added.
He explained that the Alue-Do festival was originally a traditional rite organised for spiritual purposes, not to promote violence.
“It was not a rape festival. It was a festival organised by a chief priest to pray for barren women seeking the fruit of the womb. That was the intention,” Edafe said.
However, he noted that the organisers failed to follow due process by not informing key stakeholders, including the traditional ruler, school authorities, and security agencies.
“For reasons best known to them, the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom was not informed, the students’ union was not informed, and the school management was not informed.
“They also did not inform the police. That is why the chief priest is presently in our custody, because his negligence has led to this embarrassment and to the sexual assault of these innocent girls,” he said.
According to the police, the festival is held intermittently, reportedly once every three to four years, and this is the first time such controversy has been recorded in Delta State.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage after videos circulated online showing groups of men harassing and assaulting women in public, leading to the viral claim that it was a “rape festival.”
Community leaders have since argued that the event was hijacked by hoodlums who took advantage of the gathering to commit criminal acts.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of 15 suspects, including the chief organiser and a community leader, while the Delta State Government has condemned the incident and banned the festival.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe.
Meanwhile, the Ozoro Kingdom Palace has strongly condemned the acts of harassment and violence against women, describing them as “unacceptable” and inconsistent with the values of the community.
The palace also rejected claims that such actions were culturally endorsed, stressing that while the Alue-Do festival holds traditional significance as a fertility rite, it must never be used as a justification for abuse or misconduct.
What you should know
The Alue-Do festival controversy highlights the tension between cultural practices and modern legal standards.
While police say no rape has been officially reported, investigations into sexual assault are ongoing. The incident has raised concerns about public safety at traditional events and the need for proper regulation.
Authorities have taken swift action, including arrests and banning the festival, signaling that cultural traditions cannot excuse criminal acts or violations of individual rights.
