‎FESTIVAL TURNS SOUR, AS MEN REPORTEDLY RAPE, MOLEST YOUNG LADIES AND WOMEN

 ‎FESTIVAL TURNS SOUR, AS MEN REPORTEDLY RAPE, MOLEST YOUNG LADIES AND WOMEN

‎ There was pandemonium in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, after girls and women were reportedly raped, molested, and assaulted by youths during a cultural celebration in the community.

‎ It was learnt that the incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, 18th March, 2026, during the community's festival. 

‎ In one of the viral videos, some of the men said girls and women were mandated to remain indoors during certain hours of the celebration. It was also gathered that the community’s leadership usually issue approvals, notifications, and sensitisation ahead of the festival, but no such guidance was given this year, contributing to the alleged attacks.

‎ One of the youth who helped rescue some of the victims expressed outrage, and urged the Delta State Government, the Isoko North Local Government Chairman, Ozoro Kingdom Leaders, and security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.

‎Some reports said the event, described by locals as “raping festival”, has created an atmosphere of fear, with young women allegedly warned to stay indoors to avoid being assaulted.

‎According to findings, any woman seen in public during the period risks being accosted by groups of irate men.

‎Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Delta State Police Command, Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident on Friday.

‎He described the act as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a gross violation of human rights.”

‎He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has ordered an investigation into the disturbing incident, which has sparked widespread outrage across social media and among civil society groups.

‎“This is alarming, disgusting and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident. The command condemns this in totality, no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.

‎“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,” Edafe added.