The Southern Delta University (SDU) Students’ Union Government (SUG) has confirmed that six female students were sexually harassed, but not raped, during the recent traditional festival in Uruamudhu Quarters, Ozoro Kingdom, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Mr. Oribelua Precious, President of the SUG, told Vanguard that the union is still collating reports from students affected, noting that some victims also reported theft of personal items during the incident. He added that the students have returned home after the incident as the school was not in session at the time.
“About six of our female students have come forward to report that they experienced sexual harassment. None was raped. They have gone back home. The school is not in session,” Precious said.
Chief Berkeley Asiafa, President General of Ozoro Kingdom, corroborated the SUG’s statement, confirming that while no rape occurred, hoodlums sexually molested some female attendees during the festival. According to him, three of the victims reported their experiences to the Delta State Commissioner of Police when he visited the kingdom.
Asiafa alleged that hoodlums hijacked the festival after the Chief Priest of Uruamudhu Quarters completed traditional rituals at the shrine. “Some hoodlums who knew that unmarried girls were not allowed to participate in the festival took it upon themselves to harass girls they found on the streets,” he said.
He detailed incidents where female victims were chased, molested, and in one case, had N10,000 stolen. “We could not arrest anyone that night as the perpetrators fled. Security forces and local vigilantes intervened to protect the victims,” Asiafa said.
Mr. Djowah Ighenechovwen, Managing Director of local eatery “Stop and Chop,” said he and his team rescued two girls from the hoodlums. “My staff alerted me, and we quickly intervened to take the girls to safety,” he said.
Elders in the community expressed shock at the incident. Pa Joseph Usikpedo, a retired schoolteacher, explained the significance of the Aluedo festival, which traditionally addresses fertility issues and blesses crops. “I am going to 80 years, I do not know what happened this year,” he said.
Residents said they have learned from the incident and vowed to exercise more caution during future celebrations. The festival, which is not annual, is convened by the Chief Priest based on divine instructions and has previously been a peaceful and sacred event.
VANGUARD