The Delta State Government has strongly refuted claims of the existence of any cultural festival that permits the assault of women, following a viral video allegedly linked to an event in Ozoro.
In the widely circulated footage, some women were seen being harassed and assaulted by groups of young men during what was described online as a “raping festival.”
Reacting to the development, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Ovie Success, dismissed the claims, stating that no such festival exists anywhere in the state.
He expressed shock and disappointment over the incident, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the values of Delta State. According to him, the government is committed to ensuring that all those involved in the act are identified and prosecuted.
“In Delta State, we will not tolerate any form of abuse. Our laws are clear and protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially women. No tradition or festival justifies harm or public humiliation,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, has also condemned the incident, describing the viral video as “alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing.”
Edafe disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.
He emphasized that no custom or tradition supersedes the fundamental rights of citizens and assured the public that those responsible for the act would be arrested and brought to justice.
The police command further called on members of the public, especially witnesses, to provide useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
Reports indicate that the incident allegedly occurred on Thursday, March 19, in Ozoro, with claims suggesting that women who appeared in public during the said period were targeted by groups of men. Authorities, however, maintain that such actions have no cultural or legal backing in the state and will be treated strictly as criminal offences.
