‘’Those responsible for this barbaric act will be arrested and brought to justice.- Delta Police PRO, Bright Edafe, reacts to viral videos from ‘’raping festival’ in Ozoro community
The Delta State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the sexual molestation of several women during a traditional event in Ozoro on Thursday, March 19. State police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the authorities are working to identify and apprehend the men seen in disturbing viral videos.
Distressing footage circulated online shows groups of men accosting women in public, forcibly stripping them, and subjected them to sexual assault. Reports suggest the violence is linked to an annual March festival where women are traditionally barred from the streets, with those caught outside facing “punishment” by male participants.
Reacting to the development on X, SP Bright Edafe made it clear that cultural practices do not grant immunity for criminal acts. He stated, “This is alarming, disgusting and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident. The command condemns this in totality, no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.”
Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola has personally intervened, calling for order while promising that the perpetrators will face the law. Edafe shared the CP’s stance: “The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Aina Adesola urges Deltans to remain calm while assuring that those responsible for this barbaric act will be arrested and brought to justice.”
The police are now actively seeking the cooperation of the public and survivors to build a solid case against the attackers. Edafe added, “The command also calls for witnesses who can provide with useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation.”
While some local accounts allege that full-scale rapes occurred during the rampage, the police are currently focused on verifying all claims through their investigation. The command remains firm that no “tradition” justifies the violation of human rights or the physical abuse of women.
