The Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro Kingdom, Delta State, has come under intense scrutiny following reports of harassment and alleged misconduct during the cultural event.
The festival, traditionally regarded as a fertility rite, is an age-long practice believed to bring blessings of children, prosperity and protection to the community, as well as serve as a spiritual exercise for addressing personal and communal challenges.
Community members have maintained that the festival is not intended to promote abuse, explaining that certain symbolic practices are rooted in long-standing traditions tied to purification rituals.
However, the event sparked widespread outrage after videos surfaced showing young women being chased and allegedly harassed by groups of youths during the celebration.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that some individuals took advantage of the situation, raising concerns about the misuse of the cultural practice.
Community leaders denied claims of more serious offences, insisting that the original intent of the festival was distorted by individuals acting outside traditional guidelines.
Police investigations indicated that criminal elements hijacked the event, leading to multiple arrests in connection with the incident.
The development has drawn condemnation from various groups and renewed calls for accountability and stronger safeguards to protect participants during cultural events.
The controversy has also reignited broader discussions about balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with the need to prevent harmful behaviour.
