The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging rape and widespread atrocities during a recent cultural festival, clarifying that no such incidents occurred.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the kingdom’s authorities explained that the incident in question took place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the Alue-Do Festival celebrated by the Uruamudhu Community—one of the five traditional communities that make up Ozoro Kingdom.
According to the statement jointly signed by the President General, Chief Berkley Asiafa, and Secretary General, Prince Obaro Egware, the Alue-Do Festival is an ancient cultural event traditionally associated with fertility.
“The Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a festival of fertility. It is widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth,” the statement read.
The leadership noted that part of the festival involves symbolic acts, including “playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children,” which is believed to invoke fertility.
However, the kingdom acknowledged that the tradition was misapplied by some youths during the celebration.
“It has come to our attention that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women,” the statement added.
The leadership firmly denied viral claims of rape, describing them as “false and misleading.”
“We wish to clearly state that reports circulating on social media alleging that rape and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival are false and misleading. No incidents of rape were recorded,” the statement emphasized.
It clarified that the situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who acted irresponsibly during the event. The kingdom said it swiftly involved security agencies to restore order.
“The leadership of the Ozoro Kingdom immediately contacted the security agencies who brought the situation under control and are conducting their investigations,” the statement said.
While condemning the misconduct, the leadership stressed that such behavior does not reflect the values of the community.
“The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behavior is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated,” it stated.
The kingdom further assured that measures are being taken to address the incident and prevent future occurrences, while urging the public to avoid spreading misinformation.
“We urge the public to disregard false reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of our cherished cultural heritage,” the statement concluded.
