ozoro has come under intense scrutiny after viral videos showed women being molested during a cultural festival in Delta State. Police in Delta State announced arrests linked to the alleged assaults, while the state government publicly condemned what it called “barbaric” and unacceptable attacks. As of 12: 00 a. m. ET on the latest available update in the provided materials, authorities say investigations are ongoing and more suspects could face arrest.
Police announce arrests and transfer suspects to State CID
The Delta State Police Command said it arrested six people in connection with the molestation of women during the festival. The arrests include an alleged chief organiser identified as Chief Omorede Sunday, described as a community head and organiser of the event, alongside four other suspects from Oramudu quarters.
SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Police Command, said the Commissioner of Police ordered an investigation into sexual assault alleged to have happened as part of the festival events. Edafe said the Commissioner of Police ordered the suspects’ transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) “with immediate effect, ” and vowed that anyone involved would be arrested and brought to justice.
Edafe also called on members of the public with information that could aid the investigation to come forward.
Delta State Government condemns assaults tied to Ozoro
The Delta State Government also issued a condemnation of the alleged attacks, describing them as “barbaric” and unacceptable. In a Friday statement, Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Delta State Government, urged security agencies to investigate and ensure accountability.
Aniagwu said, “no cultural celebration fit justify criminality, ” adding: “The Delta State Government dey strongly condemn di harassment of ladies and reported cases of rape for di Ozoro Festival. Dat kain babaric acts dey totally unacceptable and no get place for our society. ” He also called on the police and other security agencies to “fish out the perpetrators” and bring them to justice, warning that no one should be allowed to hide under a festival to commit crimes.
What the viral videos show and what remains unclear
The videos that circulated online show groups of men tearing women’s clothes and dragging some women from inside tricycles and from motorcycles. The material has triggered anger and widespread condemnation, with allegations that women were harassed and sexually assaulted during the event.
However, authorities have not provided full public details about the circumstances surrounding the festival, and some aspects remain unclear in the information released so far. What is confirmed in official statements is that police have opened an investigation, made arrests, and moved suspects to the State CID for further action.
Quick context on the festival and the community
Ozoro Kingdom is the capital of Isoko North Local Government in Delta State and is described as being made up of five different kingdoms. A statement attributed to the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom said what many call the festival is a cultural practice known as the Alue-Do Festival, practiced by the Uruamudhu Community, one of five communities that form Ozoro Kingdom.
The Alue-Do festival is described as a fertility festival believed to bring the blessing of children to married couples seeking to have children.
What’s next as pressure builds for accountability
Police say the investigation is active, with the Commissioner of Police directing immediate State CID handling and promising further arrests for anyone found involved. The Delta State Government has reiterated that cultural celebrations cannot be used to justify criminal acts, and has demanded that perpetrators be identified and prosecuted.
For residents watching the case unfold, the next developments will hinge on witness cooperation and the outcome of the State CID inquiry. As officials push forward with arrests and accountability, the focus remains on justice for victims and on preventing any repeat of violence linked to ozoro.
