FG orders arrests over alleged sexual assault at Ozoro Festival

 “Sexual assault is a serious criminal offence, and all allegations must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held fully accountable under the law,” she said.

 According to the minister, sexual assault remains a serious criminal offence that must be thoroughly investigated, with all perpetrators brought to justice.

 She therefore reaffirmed government's commitment to prioritise the safety, dignity and protection of women and girls.

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 The minister said they would strengthen collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to provide immediate support for victims, including psychosocial care, medical attention and legal assistance.

 She added that efforts would be intensified to engage traditional leaders and community stakeholders to address harmful norms and prevent a recurrence.

 The ministry further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure justice is served and future incidents are prevented from reoccurring.

 Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the incidents, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.

Spokesman Bright Edafe revealed in a statement yesterday  that the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, who mandated the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) to carry out a thorough investigation into the disturbing incident.

Edafe said police operatives, acting on video evidence and intelligence, apprehended suspects including Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname, alongside six others whose identities were not immediately disclosed.

The spokesman said preliminary investigations suggested that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence, stressing that the incident did not reflect any legitimate cultural practice.

Condemning the development, the Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command is committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

The police boss also urged victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information, assuring them that all submissions would be treated with strict confidentiality.

Adesola said the investigation is ongoing.

Community denies allegations

The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom has, however,  refuted the allegations against the community,  warning  those spreading the information across the social media to desist from doing so to prevent further violence. The leadership of Ozoro kingdom maintained that the ancient culture and festival were misinterpreted and misapplied by some youths in the community, stressing that no incident of rape was recorded.

A statement signed by the President General of Ozoro Kingdom, Odio (Chief) Berkley Asiafa and Secretary General, Prince Obaro Egware, clarified the whole incidents that occurred on Thursday, March 19. 

“Ozoro Kingdom is made up of five traditional communities, each with its distinct customs, traditions, and festivals. On the said date, Uruamudhu Community celebrated one of its ancient festivals known as the Alue-Do Festival.

“The Alue-Do Festival is traditionally regarded as a festival of fertility. It is widely believed to be a cultural practice that brings blessings of children to individuals or couples experiencing difficulty in childbirth. As part of this long-standing tradition, certain symbolic practices are observed, including the act of playfully dragging and pouring sand on married individuals who are yet to have children, as a cultural expression believed to invoke fertility.

“However, it has come to our attention that some youths misinterpreted and misapplied this cultural practice in a negative and unacceptable manner, leading to the harassment of some young women.

“We wish to clearly state that reports circulating on social media alleging that rape and widespread atrocities occurred during the festival are false and misleading. No incidents of rape were recorded.”

The leaders of Ozoro Kingdom clarified that the situation involved the harassment of two young women by individuals who took advantage of the occasion to act irresponsibly.

The leaders strongly condemned any form of harassment or misconduct, saying that such behavior is not part of “our culture and traditions and will not be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, the leaders said appropriate steps are being taken to address the actions of those involved and to ensure that future celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, respectful, and orderly manner.

“We urge the public to disregard false reports and refrain from spreading misinformation that may tarnish the image of our cherished cultural heritage,” the leaders advised.

The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom, together with the authorities, has also invited security operatives  to apprehend all those that were involved in the despicable acts. This, according to them, is to ensure adequate punishment to all those involved and ensure justice to all the victims.