Stakeholders have assured that the alleged incidents of sexual assault in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, will not recur across the state.
This assurance comes amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged incidents by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola.
The Commissioner of Police made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo (JP), Ibuka I. He assured residents, particularly students, that proactive measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence across the state, and commended the students for their restraint and maturity in opting for dialogue over protest.
While briefing the monarch on the progress of the ongoing investigation, he reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. He noted that the visit was prompted by the troubling incident and stressed that the Inspector-General of Police is deeply concerned.
Describing the development as an embarrassment to the LGA, the state, and the country, he assured that the Command will not relent until all those involved are arrested and prosecuted.
In his remarks, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, condemned the incident in strong terms, stressing that no girl child should be subjected to such an experience.
He expressed appreciation to the CP for his swift response and professional handling of the matter, as well as to the student body for their calm and responsible conduct. The monarch also commended the state government for its support and emphasized that all those involved must be arrested and prosecuted.
He further directed that no festival or gathering should be held in the Kingdom without prior consultation with the Palace for proper guidance, to prevent a recurrence.
Also speaking, Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman of Isoko North LGA, described the incident as unfortunate.
He clarified that there is no such thing as a “rape festival” in Ozoro, noting that the cultural event was mismanaged and hijacked by criminal elements.
He added that key stakeholders were not duly informed before the event and assured that the state government will support the police to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
Similarly, Comrade Victor Ogechukwu commended the CP for his prompt and decisive intervention, highlighting that the student body’s adoption of dialogue helped manage the situation and prevent escalation.
Members of the Command’s top management team, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and other senior officers, accompanied the CP on the strategic fact-finding and confidence-building visit to the community.
The CP engaged key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Isoko North LGA, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ogorugba, the President-General of Ozoro Community, Chief Berkley Asiafa, NANS Zonal Coordinator (South-South), Comrade Victor Ogechukwu, and the SUG President, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Oribelua Precious, among others.
Ozoro: Alleged sexual assault will not occur again across Delta – Stakeholders assure
