By Our Reporter
The Delta State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to justice following alleged cases of sexual assault in Ozoro, as the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, led a high-level delegation on a fact-finding and confidence-building visit to the community.
The visit, which included the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and other senior officers, was aimed at engaging stakeholders and assessing the situation firsthand amid ongoing investigations.
During the visit, the police chief paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, where he briefed the monarch on the progress of investigations and reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence.
Adesola also met with key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Godwin Ogorugba, community leaders, student representatives and some of the victims.
He described the incident as disturbing and an embarrassment to the local government, the state and the country, noting that the Inspector-General of Police is deeply concerned about the development.
The Commissioner assured residents, particularly students, that the Command would ensure all those involved are identified, arrested and prosecuted. He added that proactive measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence and commended students for maintaining calm and opting for dialogue.
In his remarks, the monarch condemned the incident, stressing that no girl child should be subjected to such abuse. He directed that future festivals or gatherings in the kingdom must receive prior approval from the palace to ensure proper oversight.
Also speaking, Ogorugba described the incident as unfortunate, clarifying that it was not a “rape festival” but a cultural event allegedly hijacked by criminal elements. He pledged the support of the state government in ensuring justice is served.
Student representatives, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), commended the police for their swift intervention and noted that dialogue helped prevent escalation.
The police further encouraged victims of sexual and gender-based violence to utilise its Gender Desk at the state headquarters, assuring confidentiality and support.
The Command reiterated its condemnation of the incident and called on members of the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
