Authorities in Nigeria have arrested 15 suspects following viral videos showing alleged sexual assaults during a community festival in Delta State. The footage, widely shared online, depicts groups of young men attacking women in public, triggering national outrage and renewed calls to tackle gender-based violence.
The incidents reportedly occurred during the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, where videos showed women being chased, stripped, and assaulted while onlookers filmed. The disturbing scenes prompted a surge of online activism, with the hashtag #StopRapingWomen gaining traction across social media platforms.
Delta State police, on March 23, through spokesperson Bright Edafe, described the footage as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing.”
While confirming the arrests and ongoing investigations on Monday, police stated that no formal rape complaints had been filed and said four women interviewed denied being raped. Suspects have since been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department.
Community leaders, including traditional authorities, rejected claims that the festival condones sexual violence, insisting the cultural event was misinterpreted and abused by some participants. The Delta State government echoed this stance, stressing that no recognised tradition permits such acts and that any form of violence must be treated as a criminal offence.
Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu condemned the incidents, urging security agencies to ensure accountability. She emphasised that no cultural practice justifies abuse and encouraged victims to seek medical and psychological support, as advocacy groups continue to push for stronger protections against gender-based violence.