Panic has gripped Ozoro, headquarters of the Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, with many students reportedly fleeing over fears of possible fresh attacks, following the assault of several women and female students during a traditional festival.
Chronicle NG gathered that the development comes in the aftermath of the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, during which viral videos showed young women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by groups of youths, sparking nationwide outrage.
Speaking with the press, a student leader in the community disclosed that many female students, still traumatized by the incident, had begun leaving to avoid being caught in further violence.
“Most of the female students in the community are scared, especially when they were told that the festival is meant to last for seven days. Many left early this morning, and others were still seen leaving up to this evening,” the source said.
He mentioned that the atmosphere in the community remained tense, with growing anxiety among residents and students alike, particularly as uncertainty persists over the duration of the festival and the likelihood of a recurrence.
The student leader also claimed that some university students were among those who molested women during the festival.
He described the development as “deeply troubling,” stating that it was not only indigenous people who participated in the assault.
“It is not only the indigenes who participated in the molestation. Some students also took part in it, and that is the most painful part. It speaks to the level of decadence in our society, the education system, and human behavior as a whole,” he said.
The student leader requested that everyone engaged, regardless of status, be punished as “common criminals” and demanded their arrest and punishment.
While stating that no cases of rape had been confirmed among the affected pupils, he did say that some victims were transported to the hospital and treated for assault.
“Sexual assault is a serious offense, and it desecrates the dignity of our women. We will not condone that,” he added, expressing hope that such an incident would not recur.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the assault, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
The police had earlier apprehended a community head, Omorede Sunday, and four others.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the arrests were made by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team, acting on the directive of Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola.
Edafe noted that a detailed analysis of video footage and intelligence led to the arrests, identifying some of the suspects as Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname.
He emphasized that preliminary investigations showed the incident was carried out by criminal elements who exploited the festival to commit sexual violence, adding that such actions were not part of any recognized cultural practice.
“The Commissioner of Police condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Edafe stated.
