Ozoro Festival: Police arrest Delta community leader, four other organisers
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Delta State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including the community head and chief organiser of the Ozoro Festival, in connection with the barbaric harassment and assault of women during the event in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to a statement posted on X by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Friday, those arrested include Chief Omorede Sunday—the community head and chief organiser—alongside four other suspects from Oramudu quarters in Ozoro.
Edafe said Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola had ordered their immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
“The community head and chief organiser of the event, one Chief Omorede Sunday and four other suspects from Oramudu quarters in Ozoro have been arrested. The CP has ordered that they should be transferred to State CID with immediate effect. The CP vows that anyone involved will be arrested and brought to justice,” he wrote.
Several women were reportedly molested during the Ozoro Festival, which some social media users have labelled a “‘rape festival.'” The incidents reportedly occurred on Thursday, March 19.
According to reports, women were expected to remain indoors during the event, with any found outside becoming targets for harassment.
The Delta State Government has condemned the acts as barbaric and directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
