The Delta State Police Command has arrested a community leader and five others in connection with alleged sexual assaults that occurred during a local event in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area.
The arrests followed the circulation of disturbing videos from Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro, which reportedly captured the molestation and sexual assault of young women during the event.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, expressed grave concern over the incident and strongly condemned the acts, describing them as criminal, inhumane, and a gross violation of the victims’ fundamental rights and dignity.
According to SP Edafe, the chief organiser of the event, identified as Chief Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects, have been arrested.
The police also confirmed the arrest of the head of Oramudu community in connection with the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive probe.
“He also directed the deployment of tactical and investigative teams to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.
“The Command unequivocally condemns such acts in their entirety. Acts of sexual violence are criminal and unacceptable under any guise,” SP Edafe said in statement noted.
The police called on victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation, assuring that all information would be handled with strict confidentiality and professionalism.
CP Adesola further appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding citizens’ rights, and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The police command assured that those found culpable in the incident would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The government had earlier condemned the reported harassment and assault of women during the recent Ozoro Festival, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government is deeply disturbed by reports of women being harassed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted under the guise of festival activities.
Aniagwu stressed that the government frowns at any act that violates the dignity and rights of women, noting that cultural celebrations must never be used as a cover for criminality.
“The Delta State Government strongly condemns the harassment of ladies and the reported cases of rape during the Ozoro Festival. Such barbaric acts are totally unacceptable and have no place in our society,” he said.
He called on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.
“We are calling on the police and other security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice. No individual or group should be allowed to hide under the guise of a festival to perpetrate criminal activities,” Aniagwu added.
