A viral video on Friday triggered widespread outrage after showing scenes of alleged sexual assault involving several women during a local festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
The disturbing footage, which circulated across social media, showed groups of young men reportedly attacking women in public, tearing their clothes and subjecting them to various forms of molestation.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, during an annual festival in the community, where women are allegedly expected to stay indoors. It was claimed that any woman seen outside during the event becomes a target for harassment by participants.
Some accounts also alleged that beyond molestation, certain victims may have been raped, although these claims have not been officially confirmed.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, described the development as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing.”
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, had directed a full investigation into the matter.
“This is alarming, disgusting and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident,” Edafe said.
“The command condemns this in totality, no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.”
He added that efforts are underway to ensure those responsible are apprehended.
“The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, urges Deltans to remain calm while assuring that those responsible for this barbaric act will be arrested and brought to justice.
“The command also calls for witnesses who can provide useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation.”
