The traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, has banned all unauthorised festivals and public gatherings in the community following a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage across Nigeria.
The monarch made the announcement on Sunday when the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, and other senior police officers paid him a visit at his palace. The visit was part of efforts to address the recent incident widely described on social media as a “rape festival” in the community.
The decision to ban unapproved events is seen as an urgent step to restore order and prevent a repeat of what many have described as a shocking abuse of women and girls.
The controversy began three days ago when videos circulated online showing groups of young men allegedly sexually assaulting women during what they claimed was a local festival. The footage quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions from Nigerians both at home and abroad.
Many social media users condemned the act, calling for immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved. Women’s rights groups also expressed concern, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights and dignity.
Reacting to the development, the Ozoro monarch strongly condemned the act and made it clear that such behaviour has no place in the culture or traditions of the community.
“No girl child should be subjected to such an experience,” he said, stressing that the safety and dignity of women must be protected at all times.
He also used the opportunity to clarify that the so-called festival was not recognised or approved by the palace, distancing the traditional institution from the actions of those involved.
To prevent a similar occurrence, the monarch directed that no festival, celebration, or large gathering should take place within the kingdom without prior approval from the palace. According to him, this will allow for proper guidance and monitoring of events.
Community leaders say festivals are an important part of cultural life in many parts of Delta State and across Nigeria. They are often used to celebrate history, harvests, and unity among people. However, incidents like this have raised concerns about how such gatherings are organised and controlled.
The visit by the Commissioner of Police highlights the seriousness of the matter. Aina Adesola assured the monarch and the community that the police would not take the incident lightly.
According to reports, at least 15 suspects have already been arrested in connection with the case. The police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow as they work to identify all those involved.
The monarch commended the police for their swift response and professional handling of the situation. He also praised the Delta State Government for its support, noting that cooperation between traditional authorities and government agencies is key to maintaining peace and order.
He insisted that everyone involved in the incident must be brought to justice, regardless of their status in the community.
The incident has also renewed discussions about the safety of women in public spaces. Advocacy groups continue to call for stronger enforcement of laws against sexual violence and better protection for victims.
In recent years, Nigeria has seen increased awareness and activism around gender-based violence. Campaigns by civil society organisations have pushed for tougher laws and better support systems for survivors.
Despite these efforts, many cases still go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in the justice system. Incidents like the one in Ozoro highlight the need for continued education, awareness, and community involvement in addressing the problem.
Residents of Ozoro have expressed mixed feelings about the situation. While many support the monarch’s decision, others say more needs to be done to ensure that such an incident never happens again.
Some community members have called for regular monitoring of public events and stricter penalties for offenders. Others have emphasised the need for youth engagement and education to prevent harmful behaviour.
The ban on unauthorized festivals is expected to remain in place until further notice. In the meantime, the palace and security agencies are likely to work together to review how events are organised and supervised in the kingdom.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and rebuilding trust within the community. The actions taken by the monarch and the police are being closely watched as a test of how effectively authorities can respond to such incidents.
The Ozoro case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability, respect for human rights, and the role of leadership in protecting vulnerable members of society.