Dare Babalola
Reports have surfaced of girls and women being subjected to rape, molestation, and assault by youths in Ozoro Kingdom, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State.
The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation, occurred on Thursday during the kingdom’s festival.
According to reports, girls and women are expected to remain indoors during certain hours of the traditional celebration.
The kingdom’s leadership reportedly issues approvals and notifications before the festival, but none were given this year, which may have contributed to the alleged attacks.
In a video sighted by Newstellers, a young lady was stripped and assaulted by several guys who forcibly touched her private parts.
A youth who helped rescue some of the victims expressed outrage, calling on the Delta State government, the Isoko North council chairman, Ozoro kingdom leaders, and security agencies to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Meanwhile, public outrage is mounting following disturbing reports and viral videos showing the group of young men celebrating after forcibly stripping a woman naked in Ozoro.
Several reports claim that the event, described by residents as a so-called “raping festival”, has created an atmosphere of fear, with young women allegedly warned to remain indoors to avoid being attacked.
According to these accounts, any woman seen in public during the period risks being accosted by groups of men.
Sources within the community alleged that multiple cases of molestation and rape have occurred, although authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the incidents.
Particular concern has been raised over the safety of female students of Delta State University, Ozoro, as well as visitors unfamiliar with the alleged dangers associated with the festival.
The Delta State Police Command Public Relation Officer, Edafe Bright confirmed the incident in a post via X on Friday, describing the act as barbaric, unacceptable, and a gross violation of human rights.
Edafe stated that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola has ordered an investigation into the disturbing incident, which has sparked widespread outrage across social media and among civil society groups.
“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. The command also calls for witnesses who can provide with useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation,” Edafe added.
Also condemning the act, the Delta State Government described the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Friday, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government was deeply disturbed by reports of women being harassed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted under the guise of festival activities.
Aniagwu added that the state government frowns on any act that violates the dignity and rights of women, noting that cultural celebrations must never be used as a cover for criminality.
“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. 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.
The commissioner further assured residents that the state government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, especially women and vulnerable groups.
The government urged community leaders and organisers of cultural festivals across the state to put in place adequate measures to safeguard participants and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
