No Festival of Rape Anywhere in Delta State — NYCN……. Condemns Ozoro Incident, Backs Prosecution of Suspects

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Delta State Chapter, has stated in clear terms that there is no community in Delta State where rape, molestation, or any form of sexual violence is accepted, tolerated, or recognised as culture.

Reacting to reports surrounding the incident linked to the Alue-Do festival in Uruamudhu Community, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area, the Council declared that there is no festival of rape anywhere in Delta State, and that any attempt to describe criminal conduct as tradition must be firmly rejected.

In a statement by the State Chairman, Comr. Sagboje Odiri Milton, CLN, the Council noted that preliminary findings made available by the Chairman of NYCN Isoko North LGA Chapter, Comr. Johnson Oghenevieyeze, show that the Alue-Do festival is an ancient cultural practice traditionally associated with blessings, fertility, peace, and symbolic communal rites for married women seeking childbirth, and not a culture of rape, molestation, or abuse as being reported by some section of the media.

The Council explained that while the cultural background of the festival has been clarified, such explanation must not and cannot serve as a cover for the misconduct of any individual who may have taken advantage of the event to harass, assault, molest, or violate the dignity of others.

It further stressed that no tradition in Delta State supports rape or the molestation of women. On the contrary, the moral and cultural values of the people of Delta State have always stood firmly against rape, abuse, and every form of violence against women. In our tradition, allegations of rape have historically attracted serious condemnation and deep communal outrage, which reflects how strongly our society rejects sexual violence and defends the dignity of women.

According to the Council, any person who hides under culture or communal celebration to commit abuse is a criminal and must be dealt with in accordance with the law. It therefore strongly condemned all acts of harassment, molestation, assault, and misconduct connected to the incident, stressing that the dignity of women and the sanctity of human rights must remain non-negotiable in every part of the state.

The Council commended the Nigeria Police Force, community leaders, and all other relevant stakeholders for the prompt attention given to the matter, noting that their swift intervention has shown commendable responsibility and seriousness in addressing public concerns.
It, however, called for the immediate prosecution of all suspects connected to the incident, insisting that justice must be pursued without delay, compromise, or interference.

It further urged that investigations into the matter be thorough, transparent, and unbiased, so that every person found culpable is brought to justice.

The Council also advised the public and the media to approach sensitive cultural matters responsibly by avoiding false generalisations, while ensuring that genuine acts of criminality are neither excused nor hidden under any guise.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, responsible youth conduct, peace, and the protection of human dignity, the Council said it would continue to support every lawful effort aimed at safeguarding the rights and safety of citizens across the state.