Following the assault of several women and female students during a traditional festival in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, panic has gripped the community, with many students reportedly fleeing over fears of possible fresh attacks.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the development comes in the aftermath of the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, during which viral videos showed young women being chased, stripped and assaulted by groups of youths, sparking nationwide outrage.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a student leader in the community disclosed that many female students, still traumatised by the incident, had begun leaving to avoid being caught in further violence.

“Most of the female students in the community are scared, especially when they were told that the festival is meant to last for seven days. Many left early this morning, and others were still seen leaving up to this evening,” the source said.

He noted that the atmosphere in the community remained tense, with growing anxiety among residents and students alike, particularly as uncertainty persists over the duration of the festival and the likelihood of a recurrence.

The student leader also alleged that some university students were among those who molested women during the festival.

He described the development as “deeply troubling,” noting that it was not only indigenes who participated in the assault.

“It is not only the indigenes who participated in the molestation. Some students also took part in it, and that is the most painful part. It speaks to the level of decadence in our society, the education system and human behaviour as a whole,” he said.

The student leader insisted that all those involved should be treated as “common criminals,” regardless of their status, and called for their arrest and prosecution.

While clarifying that no case of rape had been confirmed among the affected students, he said some victims were taken to the hospital and treated for assault.

“Sexual assault is a serious offence, and it desecrates the dignity of our women. We will not condone that,” he added, expressing hope that such an incident would not recur.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the assault, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.

The police had earlier arrested a community head, Omorede Sunday, and four others.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the arrests were made by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team, acting on the directive of Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola.

Edafe explained that a detailed analysis of video footage and intelligence led to the arrests, identifying some of the suspects as Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname.

He stressed that preliminary investigations showed the incident was carried out by criminal elements who exploited the festival to commit sexual violence, adding that such actions were not part of any recognised cultural practice.

“The Commissioner of Police condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Edafe stated.

The incident, which was captured in viral videos showing women being chased, stripped and assaulted, has sparked nationwide outrage.

The Nigerian Bar Association described the development as “a national disgrace.”

In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, and the Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, the association said, “A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women. Where women are chased, stripped, violated and publicly humiliated under the guise of celebration, what is on display is not culture but barbarity.”

The NBA stressed that no cultural justification could excuse violence against women, urging the Delta State Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.

Similarly, the Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to suspend all traditional rulers in Ozoro, accusing them of failing to prevent the violence.

The group also called for an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the incident and determine the role of traditional authorities.