Delta Govt Condemns Ozoro Festival Assaults, Orders Police Investigation

Delta Govt Condemns Ozoro Festival Assaults, Orders Police Investigation

The Delta State Government has strongly condemned reported cases of harassment and assault involving women during a festival in Ozoro, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable, while directing security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

In an official statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government views the alleged acts as a serious violation of public safety and human dignity, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to exploit cultural events as cover for criminal activity.

Aniagwu called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately identify and apprehend the perpetrators, insisting that justice must be served without delay. He reiterated that the state government remains committed to protecting residents, particularly women and vulnerable groups, from any form of gender-based violence.

The commissioner also urged organisers of festivals and community leaders across Delta State to strengthen security measures at public events. He emphasised the importance of working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate crowd control and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents during cultural celebrations.

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According to the government, Delta State maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and misconduct, warning that anyone found culpable in the alleged assault will face the full weight of the law.

Reacting to the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the command has launched a formal investigation following viral videos circulating on social media. The footage reportedly shows women being harassed and assaulted during the festival.

Edafe described the incident as “alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing,” adding that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive probe to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those involved.

He further stated that no cultural practice or tradition justifies the violation of citizens’ rights, assuring residents that the police are committed to delivering justice.

“No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” Edafe said, urging members of the public with useful information to assist the ongoing investigation.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred during a festival in Oruamudhu community, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. Witnesses alleged that some individuals took advantage of the large gathering to harass women in attendance, leading to widespread outrage.

Videos shared online show chaotic scenes, including instances where women were reportedly subjected to forceful handling and struggled to protect themselves amid the crowd. The circulation of these clips has triggered condemnation from Nigerians and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women at public gatherings.

Civil society groups and gender advocates have also weighed in, urging authorities to improve event security management, enforce stricter crowd control protocols, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of harassment and assault.

As investigations continue, both the Delta State Government and the police have appealed for calm, assuring the public that efforts are underway to identify those responsible and ensure they face justice.

Delta Govt Condemns Ozoro Festival Assaults, Orders Police Investigation