Authorities apprehend additional 11 individuals in connection with violent incident at Delta festival

The Delta State Government has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the sexual assault of women during the Ozoro festival, with the arrest of 11 additional suspects, bringing the total number of suspects to 16.

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A statement issued by the state government on Saturday, X, revealed that the arrest was made possible by the CP Special Assignment Team, which conducted a thorough investigation, analyzing video evidence and intelligence, as directed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola.

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The statement identified some of the suspects as Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname, among six others, who were apprehended in connection with the disturbing incidents in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro.

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The government emphasized that the acts of sexual violence were perpetrated by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation, and do not represent any legitimate cultural practice, highlighting the need to distinguish between the two.

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The police command has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all those involved in the sexual assault are identified and brought to justice, with a call to victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information, with assurances of confidentiality.

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Previously, the Delta State Police Command had arrested five persons, including the community head and chief organiser of the Ozoro festival, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of women during the annual event in the state.