Ozoro Panic: Female Students Desert Campus Over Fear of Renewed Festival Attacks
Tension has escalated in Ozoro, Delta State, as female students reportedly flee their host community following the disturbing assault of women during a controversial traditional festival.
Global Mirror News gathered that the exodus began shortly after the widely condemned “Alue-Do” festival, where viral videos captured scenes of young women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths, an incident that has since sparked outrage across Nigeria.
A student leader in the area disclosed that fear has gripped many female students, prompting them to abandon their lodgings amid concerns that the violence could recur as the festival continues.
“Many of the female students are traumatised. Once they heard the festival would last several days, they began leaving early. Even as of this evening, some are still departing,” the source revealed.
Residents describe the atmosphere as highly volatile, with uncertainty over the duration of the festival and lingering anxiety about possible fresh attacks.
The student leader further alleged that some University students were involved in the assaults, describing the situation as a troubling reflection of societal decay.
“It’s painful that students, people expected to uphold values were among those involved. Everyone responsible must be treated as criminals, regardless of status,” he said.
While no confirmed cases of rape have been reported among the affected students, several victims were said to have received medical attention for assault-related injuries.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown, arresting 11 additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to 15. Earlier, a community leader and four others had been taken into custody.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, stated that the arrests followed a detailed review of viral footage and intelligence operations carried out by the CP Special Assignment Team under the directive of Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola.
He emphasised that preliminary findings indicate the perpetrators were criminal elements who hijacked the festival to perpetrate violence, stressing that such acts have no cultural backing.
“The Command condemns these acts and remains committed to ensuring all those involved are brought to justice,” Edafe said.
The incident has continued to draw sharp condemnation Nationwide. The Nigerian Bar Association described the development as a “National disgrace,” warning that no cultural narrative can justify violence against women.
Similarly, the Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women has called for decisive action, including the suspension of traditional authorities in the community and the establishment of an independent investigative panel.
As outrage mounts, many are now calling for urgent intervention to restore safety, protect vulnerable residents, and prevent a recurrence of the shocking events that have shaken Ozoro.
