Delta Govt Addresses Viral ‘Raping Festival’, Discloses Next Step
by Justina Otio · Naija NewsThe Delta State Government has dismissed claims of the existence of a festival that allows for the sexual assaults of women.
A viral video spotted by Naija News on social media showed some women being sexually assaulted and molested by young men during what they termed “raping festival.”
However, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Ovie, has stated that no such festival exists in Delta State.
Delta State Government has vowed to ensure that individuals involved in the viral assault on women in the Ozoro area of the state are brought to book.
In a post on his Facebook page, Ovie said he was “disappointed and shocked by the incident at the alleged festival in Ozoro, Delta State”.
“The individuals involved will face the consequences of their actions, and we’re committed to ensuring justice is served.
“In Delta State, we won’t tolerate any form of abuse, and our laws protect citizens’ rights.
“No tradition or festival justifies harm or embarrassment towards anyone, especially women.
“We’re taking this seriously and working to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Meanwhile, the Spokesperson of the Delta State police command, SP Bright Edafe, has described the viral video of a ‘raping festival’ in Ozoro, a community in Delta State, as disgusting and embarrassing.
Naija News learnt that several ladies were sexually molested by men who attacked them during the ‘raping festival’on Thursday, March 19.
According to reports, the community holds a festival in March every year in which ladies are barred from being seen in public and any lady who fails to remain indoors is molested by the men holding the festival.
Videos shared online showed several young men running towards any lady they see on the road, ripping their clothes off and molesting them.
Reacting to the incident, Edafe, in a post via 𝕏, said the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, has ordered an investigation into the incident, stressing that no custom or tradition is superior to citizens’ rights.
Edafe assured that those responsible for the barbaric act will be arrested and brought to justice.
He wrote, “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 with useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation.