The Delta State government has strongly condemned the violent assault of women during the Ozoro Festival, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable, as the Nigeria Police Force intensifies investigations with the arrest of five suspects, including the community head and chief organiser of the event.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe disclosed the development on Friday through a statement on X, identifying the principal suspect as Chief Omorede Sunday alongside four other suspects from Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro.
According to Edafe, the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has directed that all arrested suspects be transferred immediately to the State Criminal Investigation Department for comprehensive interrogation and prosecution.
“The community head and chief organiser of the event, Chief Omorede Sunday, and four other suspects from Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro have been arrested. The CP has ordered their immediate transfer to the State CID. He has also vowed that every individual connected to this act will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice,” Edafe stated.
The arrests followed a swift police response after disturbing videos surfaced online allegedly showing groups of young men physically assaulting women during the festival, including incidents of harassment, forced stripping, and public humiliation.
The incident, reported to have occurred on Thursday, March 19, has sparked widespread outrage across the country, particularly amid allegations that women were instructed to remain indoors during the festival, while those who defied the directive were violently attacked.
Although some reports suggested that certain victims may have suffered sexual assault, authorities say investigations are still ongoing and no official confirmation has yet been made regarding rape allegations.
Reacting earlier, Edafe described the incident as “alarming, disgusting, and deeply embarrassing,” stressing that the police command condemns the act in its entirety.
“No custom or tradition is superior to the constitutional rights and dignity of citizens,” he said, while urging members of the public with relevant information to support the ongoing investigation.
The Delta State Government has also thrown its weight behind the police action, reaffirming its zero tolerance for criminal acts disguised as cultural practices.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, called on security agencies to ensure all perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
“We call on the police and all relevant security agencies to fish out those behind these heinous acts and ensure justice is served. No individual or group should be allowed to hide under the guise of cultural celebration to perpetrate criminality,” Aniagwu said.
He further urged community leaders and festival organisers to prioritise safety by putting effective security measures in place during public gatherings.
The state government reiterated that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, emphasizing its firm commitment to combating gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women across the state.
