The Nigerian police have apprehended 15 individuals in connection with allegations of rape and sexual assault that emerged during the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, Delta State. This investigative action comes in the wake of shocking footage that surfaced online, depicting women being chased, stripped, and assaulted in public spaces, igniting a wave of outrage on social media. The hashtag #StopRapingWomen swiftly gained traction, amplifying demands for accountability concerning gender-based violence.
Authorities have refuted claims labeling the festival a “rape festival,” emphasizing that no formal reports of rape had been documented. In a statement, police spokesperson Bright Edafe disclosed that several suspects had been identified through the graphic videos and had been subsequently transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He condemned the scenes depicted in the footage as “alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing.” Residents, activists, and witnesses reported that women were cautioned against venturing out during specific segments of the festival, with those who did being intentionally targeted.