Panic has gripped Ozoro following the recent festival-related assaults, as many female students reportedly flee the community over fears of renewed attacks.
The development comes after the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, where viral videos showed women being chased, stripped and assaulted by groups of youths, sparking outrage across the country.
A student leader revealed that fear and trauma have forced many female students to leave the area, especially with reports that the festival could last up to seven days.
“Most of the female students are scared. Many have already left, and others are still leaving,” the source said, noting that tension remains high within the community.
The student leader further alleged that some university students were among those involved in the assaults, describing the situation as “deeply troubling” and a reflection of moral decline.
He called for all perpetrators to be treated as criminals and brought to justice, stressing that no act of sexual violence should be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has intensified its crackdown, confirming the arrest of 11 additional suspects, bringing the total number of those in custody to 15.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the arrests followed intelligence gathering and analysis of viral footage, adding that the suspects exploited the festival to commit criminal acts.
“The Commissioner of Police condemns these acts in totality and assures that all those involved will be identified and prosecuted,” he stated.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Nigerian Bar Association, which described it as a “national disgrace.”
“A society reveals its true character in how it treats its women. What happened is not culture but barbarity,” the association said, urging authorities to ensure justice is served.
Similarly, advocacy groups have called on Sheriff Oborevwori to take decisive action, including investigating the role of community leaders and strengthening measures to protect women.
