Delta Police Investigate 'Barbaric' Assault on Women During Ozoro Festival as Videos Trend
Videos circulating on social media have sparked widespread outrage, showing women being subjected to violent assaults during the annual Ozoro festival in Delta State. The disturbing footage, which went viral on Friday, March 20, 2026, depicts groups of young men harassing women in public, tearing their clothes, and allegedly committing sexual assaults.
Police Condemn 'Alarming and Disgusting' Incidents
Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe has described the events as "alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing." In an official statement released via social media platform X, Edafe confirmed that Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incidents that occurred on Thursday, March 19.
"This is alarming, disgusting, and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident," Edafe stated emphatically. He further emphasized that "no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens" and assured the public that those responsible for what he termed "barbaric acts" would be identified and prosecuted.
Festival Context and Community Response
The assaults reportedly took place during the community's annual festival, where cultural norms traditionally expect women to remain indoors. Witnesses reported that women seen outside during the festivities became targets of harassment and violence. While some reports suggest possible sexual defilement of victims, these claims await official confirmation through the ongoing police investigation.
Police authorities have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the attacks to come forward and support their investigative efforts. The department has promised thorough action against perpetrators while emphasizing their commitment to protecting citizens' rights regardless of cultural practices.
Nigerian Public Expresses Outrage
The viral videos have triggered intense reactions across Nigeria, with social media users expressing anger and demanding accountability:
- User @abbycorners_ criticized police response time: "These videos have been going round since yesterday. It doesn't take the @PoliceNG up to 10 minutes to get to the location but you all chose to keep quiet."
- @Amy_beke called for comprehensive action: "All the men in that community should be arrested."
- @ojembaenweilo questioned police intelligence gathering: "It is a shame that the Nigerian police units now depend only on social media intelligence for their investigation."
- @Asakemijimi raised concerns about historical patterns: "I'm pretty sure this festival has been going on for years. Why has nothing been done about it?"
Broader Security Context
This investigation follows recent police actions in other states, including Oyo State where authorities launched a probe after a viral video showed a man claiming responsibility for 32 killings in Ibadan. The Delta State case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing cultural traditions with fundamental human rights protections, particularly regarding women's safety during community events.
The police have committed to using all available resources, including digital forensics and community intelligence, to ensure justice is served. As the investigation progresses, authorities emphasize that cultural practices cannot justify violations of citizens' constitutional rights to safety and dignity.
