The police in Delta State have arrested six individuals in connection with a disturbing festival in the Ozoro community, during which women were reportedly subjected to sexual assault by men.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed the arrests on X, identifying a local chief, Omorede Sunday, as the organiser. The chief, the community head, and four others have been taken into custody and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, with police vowing to bring all involved to justice.
The festival, said to be an age-old tradition linked to the worship of a local deity, reportedly lasts seven days during which women are prohibited from being outside. Any woman found outdoors can allegedly be assaulted. Social media posts and videos circulating online have shown disturbing scenes of women being attacked, sparking widespread outrage.
Many Nigerians condemned the festival, calling for strict law enforcement against the perpetrators. Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works and Public Information in Delta State, described the acts as barbaric and unacceptable, emphasizing that no one should exploit cultural traditions to commit crimes.
Authorities continue to investigate the matter and ensure that all responsible individuals are held accountable.
