The Delta State Police Command has dismissed widespread claims linking the controversial Alue-Do festival in Ozoro to rape allegations, insisting that no victim has formally come forward to report sexual assault in connection with the event.
The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, made this clarification on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he said investigations so far have not produced any direct complaints of rape from participants or witnesses.
According to him, interviews conducted with some of the individuals involved did not support the allegations circulating online. He explained that while four girls were questioned, none of them stated that they were raped, and no official complaint had been lodged with the police as of the time of the briefing.
Edafe stressed that police investigations rely strictly on verified evidence and credible witness accounts rather than public sentiment or emotional reactions. He noted that while the situation may raise concerns, the absence of formal testimony limits the scope of what can be legally established at this stage.
He further clarified that the event in question was not originally intended to promote any form of sexual violence. According to him, the Alue-Do festival was traditionally organised by a chief priest as a fertility rite meant to pray for women seeking children.
However, he said the organisers failed to notify key stakeholders before holding the gathering, including the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, the student union, school authorities, and the police. He described this lapse in communication as a major factor that contributed to the breakdown of order during the event.
Edafe confirmed that the chief priest linked to the festival is currently in police custody, noting that negligence in planning and coordination had led to public disorder and allegations of misconduct that are now under investigation.
He added that the festival is usually held once every few years, but said this is the first time such controversy has emerged around it in Delta State.
The incident drew national attention after videos surfaced online showing groups of men allegedly harassing women during the event, sparking outrage and leading many social media users to label it a “rape festival”. Community leaders, however, have maintained that criminal elements exploited the gathering to cause chaos.
Following the unrest, police have arrested 15 suspects, including the alleged organiser and a community leader, as investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department. The Delta State Government has also condemned the incident and banned the festival, stressing that cultural practices cannot be used to justify criminal behaviour.
In Ozoro Kingdom, the traditional palace has equally condemned the reported violence, describing the harassment of women during the festival as unacceptable and contrary to the community’s values. It also distanced itself from social media claims suggesting that such acts were endorsed, calling them misleading and damaging.
While acknowledging the cultural roots of the Alue-Do fertility rite, the palace reiterated that tradition must never be used as a cover for abuse or unlawful conduct. The police say further investigation will determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and any individuals found culpable.
