Nigeria: Ozoro festival turns violent: Six female students sexually harassed

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A traditional festival in Ozoro, Delta State, took a dark turn when six female students of Southern Delta University were sexually harassed by hoodlums. The incident occurred during the Alue-Do festival, a cultural event aimed at addressing infertility issues among women.

President of the Students Union Government, Oribelua Precious, confirmed that six female students were molested, but none were raped. The victims reported that their personal items were stolen during the incident. Chief Berkeley Asiafa, President General of Ozoro kingdom, attributed the violence to hoodlums who hijacked the festival.

The festival, which involves married women seeking blessings for fertility, was reportedly restricted to women, with unmarried girls advised to stay indoors. However, some youths took advantage of the situation, harassing girls found on the streets.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including the chief organiser of the festival, and vowed to bring perpetrators to justice. The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned the incident, describing it as “degrading and barbaric”.