Outrage as Sexual Violence Allegations Trail Delta Festival

Widespread outrage has emerged following reports of several women being sexually assaulted by  youths during a controversial festival in Ozoro , headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Eyewitness accounts and disturbing viral videos from the Thursday, March 19 incident showed  groups of young men chasing women through the streets, forcibly tearing their clothing and subjecting them to sexual violence in broad daylight. Some victims were reportedly raped amid the chaos.

The incident is associated with an annual festival  observed in Ozoro,  during which it is expected that women stay indoors. Reports indicate that any woman seen outside during this time becomes a target for harassment and assault by festival participants.

The footage of  this events has sparked widespread condemnation across social media and beyond, showcasing scenes of fear and desperation as victims attempted to flee from their attackers.

Reacting on his X handle, the  spokesperson for the Delta State Police  Command Public Relations Officer,SP Bright Edafe, described the incident  as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing”.

He stated that the State  Commissioner of Police,  Aina Adesola , has ordered a comprehensive investigation on the incident, assuring residents that those responsible will be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.

Emphasizing that “The command fully condemns this act. No custom or tradition outweighs the rights of citizens,”  he encouraged witnesses to come forward with credible information to assist in the ongoing investigations.