Viral clips spark outrage over alleged ‘rape festival’ in Delta community; police launch probe
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Multiple videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter) show scenes in Ozoro, a community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, that have been widely described as a “rape festival.”
The footage depicts dozens of boys and men chasing lone women on the streets, groping, and manhandling them. Some X users have defended the actions as part of a long-publicized local tradition, while many others have condemned them as barbaric and unacceptable.
One user, @Charlzmaney, wrote: “Harassment is wrong. But let’s be realistic. Girls in Ozoro know the tradition… stay home or risk the masquerade punishment. Educate women on the risks instead of pretending the culture appeared yesterday to rape people.”
Another, @ChidinkaJ45, who claimed to be in Ozoro, added: “Stop this misinformation. I am presently in Ozoro. They have made announcements more than a week ago that this will happen to a lady if she is caught outside. That is their tradition so what are they doing outside. Obey simple instructions. Stay indoor.”
Countering such views, @kesienaihy stated: “No tradition should ever amount to violence of any kind against anyone, especially women. What type of sick person do you have to be to think this is a sensible tradition? Tradition that you all have been practicing for eons that hasn’t made you great.”
@egoegodifi wrote: “This is not tradition, this is just people showing the inhuman part of them.”
@bosunoyeleke shared: “I have just called my sister to make sure she’s alright, thankfully she’s not in Ozoro, she also said they harass girls in June – July period, and she’s in Abraka.”
The Delta State Police Command has responded swiftly. Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe said in a statement: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, has ordered an investigation into the incident. The command condemns this in totality; no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.”
Edafe added that CP Adesola urged residents to remain calm, assuring that those responsible for the “barbaric act” would be arrested and prosecuted.
“The command also calls for witnesses who can provide useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation,” he said.
