Police launch probe as Delta condemns assaults on women at Ozoro festival

2026-03-20 - 13:53

The Delta State Government has condemned reports of harassment and sexual assault of women during a 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 investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “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,” he said. Aniagwu assured residents that the state government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, particularly women and other vulnerable groups. He also urged community leaders and organisers of cultural festivals across the state to put in place adequate security measures to safeguard participants and 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 to the incident on X, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, while quoting one of the viral videos described the development as “alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing.” He wrote: “This is alarming, disgusting and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident. The command condemns this in totality, no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens. “The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Aina Adesola urges Deltans to remain calm while assuring that those responsible for this barbaric act will be arrested and brought to justice.” Edafe also called on witnesses with useful information to assist the police in the ongoing investigation. Vanguard reports that outrage has trailed the alleged assault of young women during a festival in Oruamudhu community, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. Videos circulating on social media showed men forcefully tearing the clothes of young women and assaulting them. In one of the clips, a young woman was seen crying and struggling to cover herself as some men harassed her.