By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested five suspects, including a community leader, identified as Omorede Sunday, over the reported rape and assault of young women during a ‘raping festival’ in Oruamudhu community in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, March 20.
The arrest followed now-viral video footage, which showed groups of young men reportedly attacking women seen in public, forcefully tearing their clothes, and subjecting them to various forms of molestation.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, during an annual festival in the community, where women are allegedly expected to remain indoors.
It was claimed that any woman found outside during the event becomes a target for harassment by participants..
The footage sparked outrage among Nigerians, as some took to social media to condemn the alleged act and called on authorities to arrest the perpetrators.
In the statement, the police spokesperson stressed that the Delta State Police Commissioner, Aina Adesola, condemned the act when his attention was drawn to the trending video of the despicable act.
Giving an update on the incident, Edafe, in a post on X, Edafe wrote: “The community head and chief organiser of the event, one Chief Omorede Sunday, and four suspects from Oramudu quarters in Ozoro have been arrested.”
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered the transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
The statement added, “Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Aina Adesola, has ordered that the case be immediately transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
“Tactical and investigative assets have been duly deployed with a clear mandate to identify, apprehend, and ensure the prosecution of all individuals found culpable.
“The Delta State Police Command condemns this development in totality and assures that all those involved in these reprehensible acts will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
