Delta Govt condemns Ozoro Festival assaults, orders investigation

The Delta State Government has strongly condemned reports of harassment and sexual assault of women during a cultural festival in Ozoro, describing the acts as barbaric and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We are calling on the police and other security agencies to fish out those responsible for these heinous acts. No individual or group should be allowed to hide under the guise of a festival to perpetrate criminal activities,” he said.

Aniagwu assured residents of the state government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, particularly women and other vulnerable groups. He also urged community leaders and organisers of cultural events to put in place adequate security measures to prevent a recurrence.

The government reiterated its zero tolerance for gender-based violence, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

Reacting separately, the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, described the development as “alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing.”

He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has ordered a full investigation into the incident, assuring that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.

“The command condemns this in totality. No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” Edafe stated, while calling on witnesses to provide useful information to aid the ongoing probe.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in Oruamudhu community in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, has sparked widespread outrage, with disturbing videos circulating on social media showing young women being harassed and forcibly stripped by groups of men.

In one of the clips, a visibly distressed woman was seen struggling to cover herself while being assaulted, further fuelling public condemnation and calls for justice.