A viral video circulating on social media platforms, including X, has drawn widespread attention and condemnation, depicting scenes of distress in Ozoro, Delta State, where multiple women appear to be chased, groped, and assaulted by groups of men in public spaces during late nights hours.
The footage, shared extensively on March 20, 2026, shows women screaming for help, running from pursuers, and in apparent panic amid chaotic crowds. Several posts describe the incident as part of an alleged “r@ping festival” or “rape day” in Ozoro—a town hosting the Delta State University of Science and Technology—claiming that during a specific period, men reportedly target women outdoors for sexual assault, including gang attacks.
One overlaid narration in a widely shared clip states that any female venturing outside risks being raped, with warnings particularly directed at students and visitors.The videos have prompted strong reactions online. Users have labeled the events as barbaric, a form of mass sexual violence, and incompatible with modern society, rejecting any attempt to frame such acts as cultural tradition.
Calls have intensified for immediate action from the Delta State Government, the Nigerian Police Force, and federal authorities to intervene, protect affected women—especially those at the university—and arrest those responsible. Hashtags such as #Ozoro, #StopTheViolence, #EndRapeCulture, and #DeltaState have trended in connection with the shares, amplifying demands for justice and accountability.
However, no official statements from the Delta State Police Command, the state government, have confirmed the existence of an established “rape festival” or “rape day” tradition in Ozoro. .Sexual assault and rape are serious criminal offenses under Nigerian law, punishable regardless of any claimed cultural or contextual pretext.
Authorities are urged to investigate the incidents shown in the videos promptly to determine the circumstances—whether tied to a local event, mob action, or other triggers—and ensure the safety of residents, particularly female students in Ozoro.
