OZORO FESTIVAL: POLICE CONFIRM 16 ARRESTS, SAY NO OFFICIAL RAPE REPORT YET

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Delta State Police Command has refuted claims describing the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro as a “rape festival,” stating that no victim has officially reported any rape linked to the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

He stated that none of the four girls interviewed had alleged rape, adding that, as of now, no official report of rape has been received.

Edafe emphasized that investigations are conducted strictly based on evidence and witness testimonies, noting that the festival, as a traditional rite, was not intended to encourage sexual violence.

Edafe clarified that the event was not a “rape festival,” explaining that it was organised by a chief priest as a traditional rite aimed at offering prayers for women seeking fertility.

He noted that investigations are driven by evidence and witness accounts, stressing that no individual has come forward to allege rape, and current findings do not support such claims. He added that the focus of the investigation remains on possible sexual assault based on available evidence.

The Police Public Relations Officer further disclosed that 16 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident.

He explained that the initial arrests included the chief priest—who is also the community head—and four others, while additional suspects were identified and apprehended following video analysis of the event footage.Edafe said the number of suspects in custody has risen to 16, adding that they have been transferred to the State Command Headquarters for proper investigation by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The spokesman said police operatives visited Uzoro and the Oramudu community to assess the situation, where they met with four victims.

He added that the force assured them that the state government would take responsibility for their medical care, compensate for lost property and money, and provide psychological support to aid their recovery from the trauma.

‘No Prior Information’

He, however, stated that due process was not observed in the organisation of the event, as relevant authorities were not duly informed.

He explained that the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, the students’ union, and the school management were all not notified, adding that the police were also not informed.

He said the failure to follow proper procedures led to the arrest of the chief priest, noting that his negligence resulted in the embarrassment and alleged sexual assault of innocent girls.

According to the police spokesperson, the festival is held “once every three or four years,” adding that this is the first time such an incident has been recorded in Delta State.

Edafe also urged parents and guardians to be more attentive to their children, stressing that safeguarding should extend beyond just the girl child.