The President General of Ozoro Kingdom, Odio (Chief) Berkley Asiafa, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging rape and widespread atrocities during a recent cultural festival, describing such claims as false and misleading.
Asiafa, in a statement issued on Saturday, clarified that the incident in question occurred 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.
He explained that the Alue-Do Festival is an ancient cultural event traditionally associated with fertility, particularly for individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth.
“As part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility,” Asiafa said.
However, he acknowledged that the cultural practice was misapplied by some youths during the celebration.
“It has come to our attention that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice negatively and unacceptably, leading to the harassment of some young women,” he added.
Asiafa firmly denied reports of rape, insisting that no such incidents were recorded.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the occasion to act irresponsibly.
He noted that the leadership responded swiftly by involving security agencies.
“The leadership of the Ozoro Kingdom immediately contacted the security agencies, who brought the situation under control and are conducting their investigations,” Asiafa said.
Condemning the actions of those involved, he stressed that such conduct does not reflect the values or traditions of the community.
“The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom strongly condemns any form of harassment or misconduct. Such behaviour is not part of our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated,” he said.
He further assured that measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.
“Appropriate steps are being taken to address the actions of those involved and to ensure that future celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, respectful, and orderly manner,” he added.
He also urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could damage the reputation of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
“We urge the public to disregard false reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of our cherished cultural heritage,” Asiafa said.
