The leadership of Ozoro community in Delta state has reacted to allegations of r*pe and harassment of young women trailing its Alue-Do festival.
On Thursday, outrage erupted on social media after multiple
videos circulated on X showing men tearing the clothes of young women during
the festival.
In one of the viral clips, men were seen groping the women
in a manner widely described as animalistic and despicable.
In the clip, a young woman could be seen crying and
clutching her torn clothing as some men violently harassed her.
The state government condemned the incidents, describing
them as “barbaric, heinous and unacceptable”.
The government said no individual or group should be allowed
to hide under the guise of a festival to perpetrate criminal acts.
As outrage grew, the state police arrested Omorede Sunday, a
community leader, and four other suspects over allegations of r*pe and assault.
‘IT’S A CULTURAL FESTIVAL’
But a statement on Friday co-signed by Berkley Asiafa,
president-general, and Obaro Egware, secretary-general, said the viral videos
portrayed the festival in a bad light.
“Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five traditional communities,
each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals,” the statement
reads.
“On the said date, Uruamudhu Community celebrated one of its
ancient festivals known as the Alue-Do Festival.”
The community leaders described Alue-Do as a “festival of
fertility, widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of
children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth”.
“As part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic
practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring
sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural
expression believed to invoke fertility,” the statement added.
The leaders, however, said “some youths misinterpreted and
misapplied the cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading
to the harassment of some young women”.
‘NO R*PE RECORDED’
The community leaders noted that, contrary to widespread
reports, there was no r*pe at the festival, but two young women were harassed.
“We wish to clearly state that reports circulating on social
media alleging that r*pe and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival
are false and misleading,” the statement reads.
“No incidents of r*pe were recorded. The situation involved
the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the
occasion to act irresponsibly.”
The statement added that the community leadership contacted
security agencies, who brought the situation under control and have commenced
investigations.
“The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form
of harassment or misconduct. Such behaviour is not part of our culture and
traditions and will not be tolerated,” the statement reads.
“Appropriate steps are being taken to address the actions of
those involved and to ensure that future celebrations are conducted in a
peaceful, respectful and orderly manner.”
The community leaders urged the public to disregard false
reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of
its cultural heritage.
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