Videos have surfaced online showing groups of men chasing and sexually assaulting women in broad daylight during a festival in Nigeria. A police investigation is underway after the footage emerged from the annual Alue-Do fertility festival in Ozoro, Delta State. Several arrests have been made, and authorities have said that multiple suspects are in custody. Many people online have now dubbed it a "rape festival" in reaction to the horrific videos.
In the disturbing videos, women are seen running through crowded streets while groups of men chase them. The groups of men then strip them and proceed to sexually assault them. Bystanders can be seen filming, with some heard cheering. Videos have emerged of similar incidents happening in multiple locations during the festival. Many of the victims are believed to be female students from a nearby university, and some of them are understood to have been hospitalised as a result of the attacks.
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Police in Delta State have said multiple arrests were made in relation to the crimes seen in the videos. Meanwhile, state police spokesperson Bright Edafe said those involved would face charges.
Additionally, 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 instructed that the suspects be transferred to the State CID without delay. The Commissioner is committed to ensuring that anyone involved will be arrested and brought to justice."
Edafe then called the incident a sexual assault and public humiliation. He has asked any witnesses to come forward with information.
Despite the backlash and police investigation, some community leaders have denied that any rapes happened. The King of Ozoro has said the fertility festival was "misinterpreted and abused by some youths".
In a statement, Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, said that no culture justified violating women and girls, praising the police for the arrests made.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
