The Delta State Police Command has taken into custody a community leader alongside four other individuals following allegations of sexual assault involving young women during a local festival in Oruamudhu community, Ozoro, located in Isoko North Local Government Area.
The arrests come after disturbing videos from the event circulated widely online, triggering public anger and renewed calls for accountability and protection of women.
In an official statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, had directed that the suspects be transferred immediately to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further inquiries.
According to Edafe, the individuals arrested include the community head and chief organiser of the festival, identified as Chief Omorede Sunday, along with four others from the Oruamudhu quarters in Ozoro.
He added that the police leadership has made it clear that no one found culpable will evade justice, stressing that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow if necessary.
The police spokesman further disclosed that both tactical and investigative teams have been mobilised with clear instructions to track down all those involved in the alleged acts and ensure their prosecution.
Residents of Delta State, especially victims and eyewitnesses, have been urged to assist law enforcement by providing useful information that could support the investigation.
Authorities assured that any information shared would be handled with strict confidentiality and professionalism.
Edafe also appealed to the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the police continue their work, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining order across the state.
He condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable, and reiterated that all perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
The outrage followed the emergence of multiple videos showing scenes of chaos during the festival, where some men were seen allegedly tearing the clothes of young women.
In one of the clips, a visibly distressed young woman is seen crying and attempting to cover herself after her clothing was ripped, while being subjected to harassment.
The viral footage sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians demanding swift action from security agencies to bring those responsible to justice and prevent a recurrence.
Confirming earlier reports, Edafe reiterated that the community head, Omorede Sunday, is among those already in custody.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also denounced the incident, describing it as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, condemned the harassment and reported cases of rape linked to the Ozoro Festival.
He described the acts as “barbaric and unacceptable,” stressing that such behavior has no place in a civilised society and must be decisively addressed.
