Ozoro Festival: Female Students Flee Delta University Amid Fear of Further Attacks
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State, is gripped by panic as female students of Delta State University reportedly leave the community over safety concerns. The exodus follows violent incidents during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, which have sparked nationwide outrage.
Videos circulating on social media showed young women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths, prompting fear among residents and students.
Sources say that many female students, traumatized by the attacks and uncertain about their safety, have begun fleeing the area.
A student leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the atmosphere as tense. He told The PUNCH:
“Most of the female students in the community are scared, especially when they were told that the festival is meant to last for seven days. Many left early this morning, and others were still seen leaving up to this evening.”
He added that anxiety remains high among residents and students due to uncertainty over the festival’s duration and the potential for more violence.
The source also alleged that some university students were involved in the assaults:
“It is not only the indigenes who participated in the molestation. Some students also took part in it, and that is the most painful part. It speaks to the level of decadence in our society, the education system and human behaviour as a whole.”
He called for justice, stressing:
“Sexual assault is a serious offence, and it desecrates the dignity of our women. We will not condone that.”
In response, the Delta State Police Command intensified its operations, arresting 11 additional suspects, bringing the total in custody to 15. Earlier arrests included a community leader, Omorede Sunday, and four others.
Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe confirmed the arrests and noted that intelligence work and analysis of viral videos helped identify suspects, including Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname. He said preliminary findings suggest that criminal elements exploited the festival to commit violence.
“The Commissioner of Police condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Edafe said.
The incident has drawn condemnation nationwide. The Nigerian Bar Association described the attacks as “a national disgrace.” In a joint statement signed by President Afam Osigwe and Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum Huwaila Muhammad, the association said:
“A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women. Where women are chased, stripped, violated and publicly humiliated under the guise of celebration, what is on display is not culture but barbarity.”
The NBA urged the Delta State Government to ensure all perpetrators face justice, emphasizing that no cultural practice can justify violence against women.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, demanding the suspension of traditional rulers in Ozoro for allegedly failing to prevent the violence. The group also called for an independent inquiry to investigate the incident and determine the role of community leaders.
As fear spreads across the university community, many students remain hesitant to return. Calls are growing for stronger security measures and accountability for those responsible.