Police Arrest Community Head, Four Others Over Ozoro Festival Assault

The Delta State Police Command has intensified investigations into the alleged assault of women during a festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, with the arrest of five suspects, including the community head and chief organiser of the event.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Friday in a post on X, identifying the prime suspect as Chief Omorede Sunday and four others from Oramudu quarters in Ozoro. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has directed that the suspects be moved immediately to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation.

The arrests followed public outrage after disturbing videos surfaced online, allegedly showing groups of young men harassing and forcefully stripping women during the festival. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, March 19, with claims that women were expected to remain indoors during the celebration and were attacked if found outside.

While some accounts circulating online alleged rape, police authorities have yet to confirm those claims as investigations continue. The police command maintained that all individuals linked to the incident will face the full weight of the law.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Prince Godwin Ogorugba, condemned the harassment and humiliation of women, stating that such actions are disgraceful and inconsistent with the values of the Isoko people. He also stated that the local government did not grant approval for any festival linked to the incident.