The Delta State Police Command has detained five suspects, including a community leader, in connection with the alleged assault of women during a cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests on Friday, identifying the principal suspect as Chief Omorede Sunday, said to be the community head and chief organiser of the event. Four other suspects from the Oramudu quarters were also taken into custody.
Edafe said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a comprehensive probe.
“The suspects have been arrested and will be moved to the State CID immediately. The Commissioner has assured that everyone involved will be tracked down and prosecuted,” he stated.
The arrests followed the circulation of disturbing videos on social media showing groups of young men allegedly harassing women during the festival, including tearing their clothes and subjecting them to various forms of abuse.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday during the annual celebration in Ozoro, where some local customs allegedly restrict women from moving freely during certain periods of the event.
Although there were claims that some victims may have been raped, authorities said such allegations had not been officially verified as of the time of filing this report.
Reacting earlier, Edafe described the incident as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,” stressing that the police command strongly condemned the acts.
“No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” he said, while urging members of the public with useful information to support ongoing investigations.
The Delta State Government also condemned the development, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, called on security agencies to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
“No group should hide under the guise of a festival to commit criminal acts,” he said, urging organisers of cultural events to prioritise safety and put adequate measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
The state government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the victims and calling for an end to harmful practices that violate the rights and dignity of women.
