IG directs probe into sexual assault at Ozoro festival in Delta State
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered a full investigation into reports of physical and sexual assault on young women during a controversial traditional festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident, captured in viral videos, sparked widespread outrage, prompting IG Disu to express deep concern over the disturbing events.
In response, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, visited Ozoro personally, engaging traditional, community, and student leaders to assess the situation. He was accompanied by senior members of the Delta State Police Command, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the Delta Police Command spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, the visit was a “strategic fact-finding and confidence-building mission.” During the visit, CP Adesola met with the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, briefing him on the investigation and reaffirming the command’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence.
Stakeholders consulted included the Chairman of Isoko North, Godwin Ogorugba; the President-General of Ozoro Community, Chief Berkley Asiafa; the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) South-South Coordinator, Victor Ogechukwu; and the SUG President of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Precious Oribelua. The commissioner also met with some victims of the assaults.
SP Edafe stated that CP Adesola conveyed the IG’s expectations to local leaders and stakeholders, emphasizing the need to identify the perpetrators of the acts, which he described as “an embarrassment not only to Ozoro and Isoko North but to Delta State and Nigeria at large.” He further assured residents that proactive measures are being strengthened to prevent recurrence and commended students for exercising restraint and dialogue.
The Delta State Government, through Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, condemned the assaults, noting that cultural festivals must never serve as a cover for criminal acts. “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,” he said.
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Since the police moved into the area, at least 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the assaults as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have urged victims to come forward and assured them of confidentiality and full support.
