Ozoro Festival: Unmarried Girls Barred Amid Assaults

Asiafa Berkelei, the president general of the Ozoro Progress Union, clarified the cultural tradition that prohibits unmarried girls from participating in the Ozoro festival, which is linked to fertility practices in Isoko land. This restriction is based on the belief that unmarried girls should not be pregnant, as it could bring shame to their families.

Berkelei condemned the harassment and assault of women during the festival, which was captured in a viral video, stating that such actions were unauthorized and not sanctioned by community leaders. He emphasized that the festival symbolizes fertility and should not promote sexual violence.

Berkelei acknowledged the need for improved security measures to prevent disruptions and expressed regret over the incidents, which he described as shameful for the Isoko community. He noted that a meeting would be convened to review the festival's aspects in light of modern societal standards.