Ozoro festival: Delta govt condemns women’s harassment, orders police to arrest culprits

The Delta State Government has condemned the alleged harassment and assault of women during the recent festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.

The state government also directed security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasising that no cultural celebration can justify criminality.

The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, in a statement issued on Friday, March 20, 2026, said the government was deeply disturbed by reports of women being harassed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted under the guise of festival activities.

Aniagwu stressed that the state government frowns at any act that violates the dignity and rights of women, noting that cultural celebrations must never be used as a cover for criminality.

“The Delta State Government strongly condemns the harassment of ladies and the reported cases of rape during the Ozoro Festival. Such barbaric acts are totally unacceptable and have no place in our society,” he said.

The commissioner called on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.

Delta community leaders: Some youths misinterpreted tradition to harass women at festival

“We are calling on the police and other security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice. No individual or group should be allowed to hide under the guise of a festival to perpetrate criminal activities,” Aniagwu added.

Aniagwu further assured residents that the Delta State government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, especially women and vulnerable groups.

The commissioner also urged community leaders and organisers of cultural festivals across the state to put in place adequate measures to safeguard participants and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“The government reiterated its zero tolerance for gender-based violence and warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law,” he stated.

The Star