OZORO/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has intensified its response to the alleged incidents of sexual assault in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, with Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, leading a high-powered delegation on a strategic fact-finding and confidence-building visit to the community.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who noted that the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure justice for victims and restore public confidence in the wake of the disturbing reports.
The CP, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and other senior officers, engaged critical stakeholders and assessed the situation on ground as investigations continue.
As part of the visit, CP Adesola paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo (JP), Ibuka I, where he briefed the monarch on the progress made so far and reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence.
The police boss also met with key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ogorugba; the President-General of Ozoro Community, Chief Berkley Asiafa; the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Victor Ogechukwu; and the Students’ Union Government President of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Oribelua Precious. He further interacted with some of the victims during the visit.
CP Adesola described the incident as deeply troubling and an embarrassment not only to the local government and the state but to the country at large, stressing that the Inspector-General of Police is equally concerned about the development.
He assured residents, particularly students, that the Command will not relent until all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted, adding that proactive measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence across the state. He also commended students for their restraint and maturity in opting for dialogue rather than protest.
In his remarks, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo (JP), strongly condemned the incident, insisting that no girl child should be subjected to such abuse. He commended the Commissioner of Police for his swift intervention and professional handling of the matter, as well as the student body for maintaining calm.
The monarch further appreciated the Delta State Government for its support and directed that henceforth, no festival or gathering should be held in the kingdom without prior consultation with the Palace to ensure proper guidance and prevent future occurrences.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Isoko North LGA, Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, described the incident as unfortunate, clarising that there is no such thing as a “rape festival” in Ozoro, but rather a cultural event that was mismanaged and hijacked by criminal elements.
He noted that critical stakeholders were not duly informed prior to the event and assured that the state government would collaborate with the police to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
Similarly, NANS Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Victor Ogechukwu, commended the CP for his prompt and decisive response, noting that students deliberately chose dialogue as a means of managing the situation and preventing escalation.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment, CP Adesola disclosed that a functional Gender Desk exists at the State Headquarters to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence, encouraging victims to report incidents with the assurance of confidentiality.
The Delta State Police Command condemned the incident in its entirety and assured the public of its unwavering commitment to justice, while urging residents to provide credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
