Delta Police Clarifies Ozoro Festival Was Not a Rape Event

The Delta State Police Command has refuted claims that the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro was a 'rape festival', stating that they have no record of any victims reporting sexual assault in connection with the event.

In an interview aired on Channels Television on Monday, March 23, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, emphasized this point.

"It is crucial to clarify that of the four girls interviewed yesterday, none claimed they were raped. At this time, there have been no official reports indicating that anyone was raped," he stated.

Edafe underscored that the police investigation is driven strictly by evidence and witness testimonies.

"The legal process is not influenced by emotions; it operates based on evidence and the accounts provided by witnesses. Since no witness has come forward with a statement of having been raped, and the evidence does not support any claims of rape, we will be investigating sexual assault allegations," he explained.

The police spokesperson further clarified that the festival was not aimed at endorsing sexual violence but rather was a traditional ceremonial event.

"This was not a rape festival. It was an occasion organized by a chief priest to pray for women who are unable to conceive. That was the purpose of the event," Edafe noted.

He also shared that 16 suspects have been apprehended in relation to the incident.

"Following initial arrests, the chief priest, who is the community leader, was taken into custody alongside four others. After reviewing footage from the event, additional individuals were identified, leading to the arrest of 11 more suspects. Consequently, the total number of individuals in custody has reached 16, and they have been transferred to the State Command Headquarters for further investigation by the Delta State CID," Edafe added.