Police Launch Investigation into Assault at Delta State Festival
An alarming incident of physical and sexual assault against a young woman during a contentious traditional festival in the Isoko community of Delta State has prompted a swift response from the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Dis. He has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter, which has garnered significant attention and outrage following the viral circulation of a video documenting the assault.
Authorities Respond to Public Outcry
The Inspector General expressed his deep concern shortly after learning about the incident, which occurred at the University Town and the Osoko North Local Government Area Management Headquarters. This troubling event has ignited widespread condemnation from the public, highlighting ongoing issues related to gender-based violence in the region.
Police Commissioner Engages with Community Leaders
In response, Delta State Police Commissioner Mr. Aina Adesola traveled to Ozoro for consultations with key stakeholders, including traditional and community leaders as well as student representatives. Accompanied by a team from the Delta State Police Command, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Commissioner Adesola aimed to gather insights and bolster community trust.
Building Confidence Through Community Outreach
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Bright Edafe, this visit was characterized as a “strategic fact-finding and confidence-building mission.” During his visit, Commissioner Adesola met with the Traditional Ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, Anthony Uwietobole Ogbogbo Ibuka I, where he reported on the investigation’s progress and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence.
Engaging with Victims of Violence
Furthermore, Commissioner Adesola took the time to interact with victims of gender-based violence in the Ozoro community. He expressed concern over the need to convey the Inspector General’s expectations to local leaders and stakeholders. Edafe highlighted that these ongoing efforts aim to address a situation that has become an embarrassment to the residents of Ozoro and Delta State as a whole.
Government Condemns Assaults During Cultural Festival
The Delta State Government, through State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Relations Mr. Charles Aniagu, condemned the reported incidents of harassment and sexual assault that occurred during the traditional festival. He emphasized that cultural celebrations should never serve as a pretext for criminal acts against women, reiterating that the dignity and rights of individuals must always be upheld.
Call for Justice and Accountability
The Commissioner further stated that the Delta State Government strongly denounces the assault on women during the Ozoro festival, labeling such acts as “barbaric” and incompatible with societal values. He urged law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those behind these reprehensible actions and stressed that no one should be able to perpetrate violence under the guise of a festival.
Police Take Action Against Perpetrators
Since the incident, police have arrested at least 15 individuals in the Ozoro area as part of their efforts to investigate the orchestrators of the gender-based violence targeting women and girls. The law enforcement raid signifies a strong commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing the responsible parties to justice.
