Authorities in Nigeria have arrested 15 individuals following serious allegations of sexual assault that occurred during a community festival in Delta state. The charge comes in light of viral videos showcasing young men chasing and attacking women, igniting widespread public anger and prompting the trending hashtag #StopRapingWomen on social media.
The Delta state police have refuted claims that the Alue-Do festival was a 'rape festival' but confirmed that no official reports of rape were filed related to the event. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe stated on local media that of four interviewed victims, none claimed they were raped. However, the videos released showed alarming scenes of groups thuggery, greatly disturbing the public conscience.
The police described the events as 'alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing', leading to several arrests based on those captured in the footage. Some witnesses indicated that women were warned against venturing out during certain festival activities, further heightening concerns that orchestrated harassment might have taken place under the cover of tradition.
Despite the denial of rape allegations by police and community leaders, rights activists emphasize that the documented acts of forced stripping and public humiliation constitute serious gender-based violence according to Nigerian law. Notably, Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned the acts while urging for the prosecution of all offenders and encouraging victims to seek support for their well-being. The investigation continues as authorities look to uncover further details surrounding the controversial event.
The Delta state police have refuted claims that the Alue-Do festival was a 'rape festival' but confirmed that no official reports of rape were filed related to the event. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe stated on local media that of four interviewed victims, none claimed they were raped. However, the videos released showed alarming scenes of groups thuggery, greatly disturbing the public conscience.
The police described the events as 'alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing', leading to several arrests based on those captured in the footage. Some witnesses indicated that women were warned against venturing out during certain festival activities, further heightening concerns that orchestrated harassment might have taken place under the cover of tradition.
Despite the denial of rape allegations by police and community leaders, rights activists emphasize that the documented acts of forced stripping and public humiliation constitute serious gender-based violence according to Nigerian law. Notably, Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned the acts while urging for the prosecution of all offenders and encouraging victims to seek support for their well-being. The investigation continues as authorities look to uncover further details surrounding the controversial event.
