The Delta State Police Command has arrested the alleged organiser of a controversial festival in Ozoro community, Isoko North LGA, where men reportedly sexually assaulted women.
The police also arrested four other suspects linked to the incident.
In a statement on Friday, Bright Edafe, spokesperson of the command, said the arrests followed a directive by the commissioner of police, Aina Adesola, who ordered an immediate investigation after the videos emerged.
“The chief organiser, one Chief Omorede Sunday, and four other suspects have been arrested,” the statement reads.
According to the command, the incident occurred during a local gathering in Oramudu quarters, Ozoro.
BACKGROUND
Earlier, viral videos showed women crying for help as groups of men harassed and attacked them in public.
In one clip, men dragged a young woman and tore her clothes, suggesting an attempt to sexually assault her.
A voice in the video warned women to stay indoors. It claimed that anyone who came outside would be attacked.
Consequently, the incident drew widespread condemnation. Several reports described it as a “rape festival”.
Reacting, the police condemned the acts and described them as criminal, inhumane, and a violation of the victims’ rights and dignity.
Following the arrests, Adesola ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the state criminal investigation department (SCID) for further investigation.
He also deployed tactical and investigative teams to identify, track, and arrest other suspects linked to the incident.
“The command remains fully committed to ensuring that all those involved in these reprehensible acts are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the police urged victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The command assured that it would treat all submissions with strict confidentiality and professionalism.
Adesola also called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining public order.
