First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly denounced the physical and sexual assaults on women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government of Delta State, describing the acts as degrading and barbaric.
In a statement she personally signed on Sunday, Tinubu expressed horror at viral footage showing victims subjected to violence amid what should have been a celebratory community event.
She stated:“While I hold deep respect for the diverse rich cultures and traditions that make us who we are as a people, I believe that no such tradition or custom grants any man the right to violate the dignity or freedom of a woman or girl,” she said.
The First Lady commended the Nigeria Police Force for swift arrests and urged authorities to ensure all perpetrators face the “full weight of the law.” She also appealed directly to the victims: “I urge you to seek the relevant medical and psychological help,” adding, “I pray for your healing, peace and strength at this difficult time.”
Meanwhile,Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu is worried about the sexual assault.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Aina Adesola, who led members of the command’s top management team and other senior officers, on a fact-finding and confidence-building visit to the community, said the IGP was worried about the sexual harassment. The CP ordered the arrest of all those involved in the dastardly act.
Already 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the rape and other harassment.
Delta State police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement said: “As part of the visit, the Commissioner of Police paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, where he briefed the conarch on the progress of the ongoing investigation and reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
“The CP also engaged key stakeholders, including the chairman of Isoko North LG, Godwin Ogorugba, the President-General of Ozoro Community, Berkley Asiafa, NANS Zonal Coordinator (South-South), Victor Ogechukwu, and the SUG President, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Oribelua Precious, among others, while also interacting with some of the victims.
“The CP noted that the visit was prompted by the troubling incident and stressed that the Inspector-General of Police is deeply concerned. He described the development as an embarrassment to the LG, the State, and the country, and assured that the Command will not relent until all those involved are arrested and prosecuted. He further assured residents, particularly students, that proactive measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence across the State, and commended the students for their restraint and maturity in adopting dialogue over protest.
“In his remarks, the traditional ruler, HRM Ogbogbo,Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, condemned the incident in strong terms, stressing that no girl child should be subjected to such an experience. He appreciated the CP for his swift response and professional handling of the matter, as well as the student body for their calm and responsible conduct. The monarch also commended the State Government for its support and emphasised that all those involved must be arrested and prosecuted.
“He further directed that no festival or gathering should be held in the Kingdom without prior recourse to the Palace for proper guidance, to prevent a recurrence.
“Also speaking, Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman Isoko North LG, described the incident as unfortunate, clarifying that there is no such thing as a “rape festival” in Ozoro, but a cultural event that was mismanaged and hijacked by criminal elements. He noted that key stakeholders were not duly informed before the event and assured that the State Government will support the Police to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. Similarly, Comrade Victor Ogechukwu commended the CP for his prompt and decisive intervention, noting that the student body adopted dialogue to manage the situation and prevent escalation.
“The CP reiterated that the Command maintains an active Gender Desk at the State Headquarters for handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence and encouraged victims to utilise the facility with assurance of confidentiality.
“The Delta State Police Command condemns the incident in totality and reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining public safety. Members of the public are urged to provide credible information to aid ongoing investigations.”
The Alue-Do Festival, a traditional celebration in Ozoro has drawn widespread outrage online, spotlighting ongoing concerns over gender-based violence cloaked in cultural practices.
