Widespread outrage has erupted across Nigeria following disturbing reports of mass sexual assault and harassment of women in Ozoro, where groups of young men were seen attacking female residents in what some described as a so-called “cultural activity" which is said to go on for seven days.
The incidents came to public attention on March 19–20, 2026, after multiple videos surfaced online showing young women being chased, surrounded, and sexually assaulted in public spaces across Ozoro.
Eyewitness footage circulating on social media captured chaotic scenes of women crying and pleading for help while groups of men groping victims openly. One showed a lady being pursued through streets with little chance of escape
In one particularly disturbing clip, a young woman was seen surrounded by several men while begging to be left alone, but the attackers ignored her pleas.
Reports indicate that the attacks occurred at different locations within the town, suggesting a coordinated or widespread pattern rather than isolated incidents.
Some residents linked the violence to a local event referred to as “Uruamudhu Aluedho,” which was allegedly used by perpetrators as justification for their actions.
Prior warnings reportedly circulated online advising women to stay indoors ahead of the event, implying that such incidents were anticipated.
However, there is no official documentation or legal recognition of such a practice, and many community members have rejected the claim, insisting that “Rape is not culture. Harassment is not tradition.”
The situation appears to have significantly affected students in the area, particularly those around institutions such as Southern Delta University.
One student, identified simply as Trinity, raised alarm on social media, describing how female students were being targeted and attackers operated openly without fear. Victims were left with little or no protection
Her post quickly gained traction, prompting others to share similar experiences and videos, further amplifying public concern.
The response of law enforcement has drawn sharp criticism. The Delta State Police Command has acknowledged awareness of the situation but has not provided clear details on arrests or concrete actions taken.
A police representative stated that investigations were ongoing but declined to give specifics, noting that authorities were still “working on the matter.”
This lack of immediate and decisive response has fueled public anger, with many Nigerians accusing security agencies of failing to protect citizens, particularly women.
Legal experts have pointed out that the acts captured in the videos violate the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which has been domesticated in Delta State since 2020. They pointed that sexual assault and harassment are criminal offences. And these traditional practices are punishable by the law.
Offenders face imprisonment and fines upon conviction. This has intensified calls for swift arrests and prosecution of those involved.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation across social media and civil society, with many Nigerians describing the events as, "Barbaric”, "Lawless”, "A complete breakdown of societal order”
Women’s rights groups have also called for the immediate intervention by the Delta State Government as well as mechanisms for women in vulnerable areas. They also called for accountability from both community leaders and law enforcement
As of the time of reporting, the university authorities in the area have not issued a comprehensive statement, community leadership responses remain limited and unclear, no confirmed number of victims or arrests has been officially released.
This silence has further deepened public frustration and fear.
The mass assault in Ozoro has exposed critical gaps in security, law enforcement, and societal accountability. What began as a localized incident has now grown into a national conversation about the safety of women in public spaces and the misuse of “tradition” to justify violence.
As Nigerians demand justice, the focus now shifts to whether authorities will act decisively or allow the incident to fade without accountability.
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