By: Bulou Kosin, Warri.
Several ladies in Ozoro town, home to Southern Delta University in Delta State, on Thursday, fell to alleged rapists during a community festival, sparking widespread condemnations, including from the Delta State Government, which ordered full-scale investigations.
The State government, speaking through Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Information, Charles Aniagwu, and the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Prince Godwin Ogorugba, both described the actions of the alleged rapists and assaulters as barbaric and unacceptable.
Several videos of youths celebrating their sexual escapades during the festival have gone viral on social media, sparking concerns from parents whose wards attend the university in Ozoro.
Reports say this year’s event was not preceded by public information that women should be indoors and not be seen during the festival.
In a statement issued on Friday, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, 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.
He called on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.
“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.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, especially women and vulnerable groups.
Aniagwu tasked community leaders and organizers of cultural festivals across the state to put in place adequate measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, emphasizing the government’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence. He warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
On his part, the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. (Elder) Prince Godwin Ogorugba, in a statement on Friday, expressed disappointment at the lack of official notification from community leaders or approval for the festival.
He condemned the act as barbaric and unacceptable, saying it is sacrilegious and barbaric for the youths to hide under any form to molest and assault harmless and innocent women during the kingdom’s festival.
“The act is unacceptable, shameful, and completely at variance with the customs and values of the Isoko people”, he said.
Ogorugba stated that security agencies are already scrutinising the videos already circulating on social media to identify the elements masquerading as youths that carried out the dastardly act against women during the kingdom’s festival.
“It is disheartening that young people, who should represent the pride and future of our society, would engage in acts that degrade and violate the dignity of women, our mothers and sisters, for no just cause.
“No cultural or social activity justifies any form of molestation, harassment, intimidation, or misconduct. Every individual, indigene or non-indigene, deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and protected under the law. Not under my watch should this barbaric action take place.
“We are a peaceful and accommodating people, but we will not allow a few individuals to tarnish the image of our land. This unfortunate incident must serve as a lesson, and such behaviour will not be condoned under any circumstances,” the council chairman warned.
