BREAKING: Outrage as Youths allegedly strip, assault Women during ‘Raping Festival’ in Delta (Video)

Widespread outrage has erupted following disturbing reports of alleged sexual assaults and molestation of women during a cultural festival in Ozoro Kingdom, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Accounts from residents and eyewitnesses indicate that the incident occurred on Thursday, with several young women reportedly targeted by groups of youths during the festivities. The development has sparked condemnation from government officials, security agencies, and civil society groups.

Traditionally, certain restrictions are observed during festival periods in the community, including advisories for women to remain indoors at specific hours. However, sources within the community claimed that no formal notification or sensitisation preceded this year’s event, a lapse believed to have contributed to the breakdown of order.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, alleging that some youths took advantage of the situation to harass and assault women. Viral videos circulating online have further fuelled public anger, showing acts widely condemned as degrading and inhumane.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Edafe Bright, described the development as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a gross violation of human rights.” He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has ordered a full-scale investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

“This is alarming and completely unacceptable. No tradition or cultural practice is superior to the rights and dignity of citizens,” he stated, while calling on members of the public to provide useful information to aid ongoing investigations.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Godwin Ogorugba, condemned the acts, describing them as “inhumane and sacrilegious.” While distancing the community from claims that rape occurred, he acknowledged that some individuals exploited the occasion to perpetrate acts of harassment.

He assured that security agencies were already reviewing available evidence, including video footage, to identify those involved, vowing that perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Similarly, the Delta State Government expressed deep concern over the reports. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, the government described the alleged assaults as “barbaric and unacceptable.”

“Cultural celebrations must never serve as a cover for criminality. The dignity and safety of women must be protected at all times,” the statement read.

The government further urged community leaders across the state to implement proactive safety measures during cultural events to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised over the safety of students of Delta State University, Ozoro, as well as visitors unfamiliar with the alleged risks associated with the festival.

As investigations continue, stakeholders have called for swift justice and stronger safeguards to ensure that cultural heritage is preserved without compromising human rights and public safety.

The incident has once again brought to the fore the urgent need for accountability, community vigilance, and the protection of vulnerable groups in public spaces.

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