DELTA POLICE ARREST 11 MORE SUSPECTS OVER OZORO FESTIVAL SEXUAL ASSAULT

By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women by some youths in the Ozoro area of the state.

“Acting on this directive, operatives of CP-SAT, led conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence; this led to the arrest of 11 additional suspects: Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.

“These latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen,” the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed in a statement on Saturday.

The Command stated that preliminary findings, in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, showed that the incident was carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate acts of sexual violence, stressing that such actions do not reflect any legitimate cultural practice.

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“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality,” the statement added.

‘National Disgrace’

Outrage erupted on Friday following a viral video on social media showing some men sexually harassing young females for coming out during a local festival in the Ozoro area of the state.

The footage was linked to events that took place during the Alue-Do Festival in Uruamudhu Community, one of the five traditional communities that make up the Ozoro Kingdom.

The incident drew widespread condemnation, with the Nigerian Bar Association describing it as a “national disgrace”.

Also reacting, the Delta State Government condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”

“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,” the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said in a statement.

However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom has pushed back against what it described as misinformation circulating online.

In a press statement signed by President General Odio (Chief) Berkley Asiafa and Secretary General, Prince Obaro Egware, the leadership said the incident occurred during the traditional Alue-Do Festival, a cultural event associated with fertility rites.

They explained that while certain symbolic practices are part of the tradition, they were misapplied by some youths.

The police had earlier on Friday announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects over the reported assault.