Nobody was raped during our festival, say Ozoro leaders
Ozoro Community
BY NOSA AKENZUA, ASABA
The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom on Monday addressed the general public, insisting that it was a wrong impression circulating on social media regarding events that occurred on Thursday, 19th March 2026.
Accordingly, Odio (Chief) Berkley Asiafa, President General, Ozoro Kingdom and Prince Obaro Edgeware, Secretary General Ozoro Kingdom in a statement issued and signed, explained that Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five traditional communities, each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals. On the said date, Uruamudhu Community celebrated one of its ancient festivals known as the Alue-Do Festival.
The statement said that Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a festival of fertility. It is widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth, adding that as part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility.
” However, it has come to our attention that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women.
We wish to clearly state that reports circulating on social media alleging that rape and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival are false and misleading. No incidents of rape were recorded. The situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the occasion to act irresponsibly. The leadership of the Ozoro Kingdom immediately contacted the security agencies who brought the situation under control and are conducting their investigations.” The statement reads further
The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom however strongly condemned any form of harassment or misconduct, stressing that such behaviour is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated as appropriate steps were being taken to address the actions of those involved and to ensure that future celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, respectful, and orderly manner.
The leadership urged the public to disregard false reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of our cherished cultural heritage.
