Following the assault of several women, including female students, during a traditional festival in Ozoro—the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State—panic has gripped the community, forcing many students to flee over fears of further attacks.

Findings revealed that the situation arose in the aftermath of the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, during which viral videos showed young women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths, triggering nationwide outrage.

A student leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that many female students, still traumatised by the incident, had begun leaving the area to avoid potential violence.

“Most female students in the community are scared, especially after hearing that the festival is expected to last for seven days. Many left early this morning, while others were still leaving as of this evening,” the source said.

He added that the atmosphere in the community remains tense, with growing anxiety among residents and students, particularly amid uncertainty over the festival’s duration and the possibility of a recurrence.

The student leader further alleged that some university students were involved in the assault, describing the development as deeply troubling.

“It is not only the indigenes who participated in the molestation. Some students were also involved, and that is the most painful part. It reflects the level of moral decay in society, the education system, and human behaviour as a whole,” he said.

He insisted that all those involved should be treated as criminals, regardless of their status, and called for their immediate arrest and prosecution.

While clarifying that no confirmed cases of rape had been reported among the affected students, he noted that some victims were treated in hospital for injuries sustained during the assault.

“Sexual assault is a grave offence that violates the dignity of women. It must not be tolerated,” he added, expressing hope that such incidents would not recur.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the incident, bringing the total number of those in custody to 15. Earlier, a community leader, Omorede Sunday, and four others had been arrested.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the arrests were carried out by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola.

Edafe explained that a detailed analysis of video footage and intelligence reports led to the identification and arrest of several suspects, including Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname.

He emphasised that preliminary investigations indicated that the violence was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the festival to carry out acts of sexual violence, stressing that such conduct is not part of any recognised cultural practice.

“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns these acts and assures the public that the command remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Edafe stated.

The incident, widely circulated through disturbing viral videos, has drawn condemnation across the country, with many describing it as a gross violation of human dignity.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) described the incident as “a national disgrace.” In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, and the Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, the association stated: “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 stressed that no cultural justification can excuse violence against women and urged the Delta State Government and relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

Similarly, the Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women has petitioned the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, calling for the suspension of traditional rulers in Ozoro over their alleged failure to prevent the violence.

The group also demanded the establishment of an independent panel of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the incident and determine the role of traditional authorities.