Horror in Nigeria as ‘rape festival’ sees men chase women through streets | World | News
Videos have emerged online showing groups of men chasing and sexually assaulting women in broad daylight during a festival in Nigeria. Police investigation is ongoing after footage emerged from the annual Alue-Do fertility festival in Ozoro, Delta State. Multiple arrests were made and authorities said several suspects were in custody. Many people online have now called it a “rape fest” in response to the horrific videos.
Disturbing videos show women running through crowded streets while men chase them. Groups of men then undress and sexually assault them. While bystanders could be seen filming, some were also heard cheering. Videos emerged of similar events occurring in many places during the festival. Most of the victims are believed to be female students studying at a nearby university, and some are understood to have been hospitalized as a result of the attacks.
Delta State police said several arrests have been made in connection with the crimes seen in the videos. Meanwhile, state police spokesperson Bright Edafe said those involved will face charges.
Also, the Delta Police Commissioner, Aina Adesola, ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Edafe said: “The Commissioner of Police has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State CID without delay. The Commissioner is determined to ensure that all those involved are arrested and brought to justice.”
Edafe later described the incident as sexual assault and public humiliation. He asked all eyewitnesses to provide information.
Despite the outcry and police investigation, some community leaders denied that any rape had occurred. The Ozoro King said the fertility festival was “misinterpreted and abused by some youths”.
In her statement, Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu stated that no culture can justify using violence against women and girls and praised the police for the arrests made.
One of the victims, Ezeugo Ijeoma Rosemary, said she was attacked shortly after arriving at the area on a bicycle. He said: “I immediately went downstairs and they started shouting ‘hold her, hold her, it’s a woman’ and attacked me like bees.
“A huge crowd started pulling my clothes until they stripped me naked. They were pulling my breasts and touching my whole body… I was screaming for help.”
