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.

READ ALSO:

• Trump Slams NATO Allies as ‘Cowards, Paper Tigers’ Over Iran War
• Netanyahu Says Israel, US ‘Winning’ Iran War, Claims Tehran ‘Decimated’
• US F-35 Fighter Jet Hit by Suspected Iranian Fire

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

US F-35 Fighter Jet Hit by Suspected Iranian Fire

A United States F-35 Lightning II has been damaged in mid-air by suspected Iranian fire, forcing an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East and raising fresh concerns over the escalating US-Iran conflict.

According to reports by major U.S. media outlets, the F-35 stealth fighter jet sustained damage during an operational mission in contested airspace before successfully returning to base. The pilot was confirmed to be in stable condition, with no casualties recorded.

A spokesperson for United States Central Command, Captain Tim Hawkins, confirmed the incident but did not officially attribute the strike to Iran.

“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation,” Hawkins said.

Preliminary assessments suggest the jet may have been struck by surface-to-air fire or missile systems, although officials have not ruled out other possibilities, including mechanical issues.

READ ALSO:

• Eid-el-Fitr: Sheikh Onikijipa Urges Nigerian Leaders to Use Resources Wisely
• FIFA Mandates Female Coaches in Women’s Football Tournaments
• Iran: US Authorises $16.5bn Arms Sale to UAE, Kuwait, Jordan

If confirmed, this would mark the first known instance of an F-35 being hit by hostile fire in the ongoing conflict, highlighting potential vulnerabilities even in one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed with cutting-edge radar evasion, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare capabilities, making it a cornerstone of U.S. and allied air operations.

The incident comes amid intensified military operations involving the United States and Israel against Iranian targets since late February, significantly escalating tensions across the region.

While previous U.S. aircraft losses in the conflict have largely been attributed to accidents and friendly fire, including reports of F-15 jets mistakenly downed and a KC-135 refuelling aircraft crash, this development raises concerns about direct engagement with Iranian air defence systems.

U.S. officials report that at least 13 service members have been killed since the conflict began, while about 200 personnel have been wounded across multiple countries in the Middle East. Many of the injured have since returned to duty.

The incident has also sparked renewed debate among defence analysts over the evolving capabilities of Iranian air defences and the risks faced by even the most sophisticated military assets in high-intensity conflict zones.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details once the cause of the damage is fully established.

US F-35 Fighter Jet Hit by Suspected Iranian Fire

Reno Omokri Accuses Dele Momodu of Betrayal, Questions Loyalty Over Political Alliances

A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has launched a scathing public criticism of media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, accusing him of hypocrisy and betrayal over his past and present political relationships.

In a strongly worded statement circulated online, Omokri alleged that Momodu once claimed to have been a disciple of late business mogul and politician MKO Abiola, and to have fled Nigeria during the military regime of Sani Abacha due to fear for his life.

Omokri further claimed that during Momodu’s time in exile in London, he received financial assistance from current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said gave him £500 in 1996 to support his welfare.

The former aide expressed surprise that Momodu is now politically opposed to Tinubu, questioning what he described as a lack of loyalty and consistency.

He also accused Momodu of later associating with the family of the late Abacha following the former military ruler’s death, alleging that the publisher featured them prominently in his Ovation Magazine for financial gain.

Omokri argued that such actions amounted to a betrayal of Abiola, whom Momodu had previously described as a mentor and benefactor, including sponsoring his wedding.

In addition, Omokri contrasted Momodu’s actions with his own loyalty to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that he has remained consistently supportive and would not publicly criticize him under any circumstances.

The statement also included a controversial remark suggesting that Momodu could promote any group, including extremist organizations, if financially motivated—an allegation for which no evidence was provided.

As of the time of filing this report, Momodu has not publicly responded to the claims.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions and divisions within Nigeria’s political and media landscape, particularly among figures with longstanding ties to past administrations and political movements.

Reno Omokri Accuses Dele Momodu of Betrayal, Questions Loyalty Over Political Alliances