The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the s£xual assault of women by a group of youths in the Ozoro area of the state, as investigations into the incident intensify.
RoundReports understands that the latest arrests followed an analysis of video footage and intelligence by operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police.
The suspects included Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro and Evidence Oguname, alongside six others.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the new arrests bring the total number of suspects in custody to 15.
Police preliminary findings, he said, indicate that the incident was carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to commit acts of s£xual violence, stressing that such conduct does not reflect any legitimate cultural practice.
Aina Adesola, the Commissioner of Police was quoted as condemning the assaults “in totality” and assuring residents that all those involved would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.
The Command also renewed its call on victims and witnesses to provide credible information to support ongoing investigations, assuring the public that all disclosures would be handled with strict confidentiality.
Public anger erupted on Friday after a video circulated widely on social media showing men harassing young women for appearing in public during a local festival in Ozoro.
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The footage was linked to events during the Alue-Do Festival in Uruamudhu Community, one of the five traditional communities that make up Ozoro Kingdom.
Recall that the video drew swift condemnation nationwide, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) describing the incident as a national disgrace.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu described the reported harassment and rape as barbaric and unacceptable.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration said such acts had no place in society and would not be tolerated.
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom rejected what it termed misinformation surrounding the incident.
In a statement signed by President General Odio (Chief) Berkley Asiafa and Secretary General Prince Obaro Egware, the traditional authority said the events occurred during the Alue-Do Festival, which it described as a cultural ceremony associated with fertility rites.
While acknowledging that some symbolic practices are part of the tradition, the leadership said they were misapplied by certain youths, leading to the abuses captured on video.
Police had also announced the arrest of a community head and four others on Friday.