By Ayodele Oni
A community leader and five others in Delta State are assisting the Police in investigation into alleged se*ual assaults that occurred during a local event in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
Their arrests followed the circulation of disturbing videos from Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro, which reportedly captured the molestation and se*ual assault of young women during the event.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday during the annual celebration in Ozoro, where some local customs allegedly restrict women from moving freely during certain periods of the event.
While there were claims that some victims may have been ra*ed, authorities said such allegations were yet to be officially verified.
Reacting earlier, Edafe described the incident as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,” stressing that the police command condemned the acts in strong terms.
“No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” he said, while urging members of the public with useful information to assist ongoing investigations.
The Delta State Government also condemned the development, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, called on security agencies to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
“No group should hide under the guise of a festival to commit criminal acts,” he said, urging organisers of cultural events to prioritise safety and put adequate measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
The state government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, expressed grave concern over the incident and strongly condemned the acts, describing them as criminal, inhumane, and a gross violation of the victims’ fundamental rights and dignity.
According to the statement, the chief organiser of the event, identified as Chief Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects, has been arrested.
The police also confirmed the arrest of the head of Oramudu community in connection with the incident.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive probe.
He also directed the deployment of tactical and investigative teams to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.
“The Command unequivocally condemns such acts in their entirety. Acts of se*ual violence are criminal and unacceptable under any guise,” the statement noted.
The police called on victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation, assuring that all information would be handled with strict confidentiality and professionalism.
Adesola further appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding citizens’ rights, and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Delta State Police Command assured that those found culpable in the incident would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
